The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
A Message To The Blazer Nation
11/29/2010 12:00:00 AM | General
Nov. 29, 2010
Dear Blazer Family,
Over the last several weeks, I have been conducting an extensive evaluation of our football program. Being an alumnus and former student-athlete at UAB, I can truly say that I love this institution and its athletics program. As UAB's Athletic Director, I make decisions every day for the betterment of our program. Today is no different and I have determined that it is best for our program to retain Head Football Coach Neil Callaway.
Over the past several seasons we have not been as competitive as we needed to be but the fact remains that Coach Callaway is just now getting to a level playing field. Four years ago, Coach Callaway inherited a very difficult situation in a team that was depleted and had academic deficiencies. When the NCAA mandated and implemented a minimum Academic Progress Rate of 925, the UAB football program was at 869 for the 2006-07 year. Due to this situation, UAB was penalized with a reduction of scholarships.
The NCAA allows a maximum of 85 football scholarships. For the past four years, Coach Callaway worked with 66, 69, 76, and 85 student-athletes on scholarships, respectively.
Coach Callaway has recruited student-athletes with solid character and academic ability. Under his watch, the UAB football team attained annual Academic Progress Rates of 945, 950, and 960 and pulled us out of NCAA scholarship restrictions.
While off-the-field aspects have been exemplary, there is an expectation to succeed on the field. Coach Callaway and I agree that this is where we have fallen short. To address this situation, Coach Callaway will be making personnel changes on his staff with the clear charge to succeed in all areas.
UAB Athletics is working hard every single day to advance our programs. Part of that work includes improving our facilities. I believe good things are on the horizon in that regard. Now that our academics are in order, our scholarships are restored and personnel changes are being made, we are in a better competitive position.
Coach Callaway has completed his fourth year of a five-year contract. Given where he started, I think it is important to give him and our student-athletes a chance to succeed and obtain the fruits of their labors. For program stability and recruiting purposes, it is best that Neil Callaway remain as coach.
I have had the opportunity to be around our football coaches and players this year and can attest to their dedication and hard work to improve and be good representatives of the program and our university both on and off the field. I hope you will remain in support of them and our program as we move forward.
Go Blazers!
Brian
