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Monday, October 27, 1997

Pat Sullivan leaving TCU after six seasons

By MIKE COCHRAN Associated Press Writer

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - Texas Christian football coach Pat Sullivan, whose Horned Frogs have been through disciplinary upheaval and controversy since 1996 and are 0-7 this year, said Sunday he's leaving after this season.

The former Auburn quarterback and 1971 Heisman Trophy winner led the Frogs to consecutive winning seasons in 1994 and 1995 and an Independence Bowl bid in 1994. But a series of disciplinary problems decimated his roster last year and the team has been hapless in 1997.

"I think it's appropriate that I step down as head football coach at the end of the season," Sullivan said at a news conference Sunday. "This has been a disappointing year for our players, as well as our coaches, the university, our fans and myself."

Chancellor William E. Tucker described this season as "a keen disappointment."

"This morning, Coach Sullivan and I mutually agreed that his stepping aside at the conclusion of this season will be in the best interest of all parties," Tucker said. "Be certain that the university will honor his contract."

Sullivan, 47, reportedly has two years left on his contract.

Tucker also mentioned Sullivan's successes.

"We must not forget that in the not too distant past, he led TCU to the first back-to-back winning seasons we have seen around here in some time," he said.

Sullivan, hired on Jan. 2, 1992, after 10 years as a quarterbacks coach and offensive assistant at Auburn, was 23-39-1 as TCU's head coach. His best record was 7-5 in 1994, when the Frogs' season ended with a 20-10 loss to Virginia in the Independence Bowl.

TCU has struggled through this season, most recently against Brigham Young on Saturday when a 3-3 halftime tie ended in a 31-10 defeat.

But the problems began last year after the Frogs' explosive start trailed into a 4-7 finish.

TCU's stunning 20-7 upset at Oklahoma was followed by lopsided losses to Kansas, New Mexico and Tulane. The 1996 season ended with a national television audience watching as the Horned Frogs squandered a 17-6 halftime lead in losing to SMU.

Off-the-field troubles also go back to last year.

Center Ryan Tucker, guard J.P. McFarland, linebacker Jay Davern and tackle Billy Thompson were charged with felony assault for the May 11 beating of a TCU student outside a Fort Worth bar.

Sullivan was roundly and repeatedly criticized for his handling of the incident when the players were placed on probation but allowed to remain on the team.

Later, Sullivan permanently suspended Tucker for an undisclosed violation. Davern was kicked out after he was arrested and charged with assault by threat and public intoxication.

In October 1996, quarterbacks Jeff Dover, Derek Canine and Kevin Colon were suspended indefinitely after a scuffling incident on the Southern Methodist University campus in Dallas.

Just days before the SMU game, three players suspected of marijuana use were questioned by campus police. No evidence was found at the scene and no disciplinary action was taken, but the players were given drug tests. The results of those tests were not disclosed and the players were not identified.

And last month, starting tackle Greg Davis was suspended after reportedly testing positive for steroids during a random NCAA drug screening.

Sullivan said Sunday he reached his decision to step down after discussions with Chancellor Tucker, provost and vice president of academic affairs William Koehler, athletic director Frank Windegger and Board of Trustees athletic chairman Malcolm Louden.

He said the timing is right for his departure given the university's current search for candidates to replace Tucker and Windegger, who are retiring after this academic year.

"Make no mistake about it, TCU is committed to a strong football program worthy of this university and this city," Tucker said. "Our first priority now, of course, will be to name an athletic director. ... That national search is under way and will move forward as expeditiously as possible.

"The first duty of the new AD will be to lead the search for our next football coach." Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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