Nov. 16, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Bill Gray, Samford's head football coach from 2001-2006, was relieved of his duties Wednesday, Samford President Andrew Westmoreland and director of athletics Bob Roller announced.

Gray, who has been affiliated with Samford for more than 12 years, is currently considering an offer to remain with the institution in an athletics administration capacity. Westmoreland and Roller will begin an immediate search for a new head football coach.

"Bill Gray has contributed to Samford in so many ways," Westmoreland said. "He has modeled strength of character to our student-athletes for more than 12 years and it is our desire to retain him in a role that would build upon his considerable strengths."

"These are tough times that involve good people who've worked hard to promote Samford football," Roller said. "We now need to move forward to make informed decisions about the direction of our program."