Utah Tech Football Releases Head Coach

In a surprising announcement today, Utah Tech has let go of Paul Peterson after five years. I didn't see this coming. Peterson had two years left on his contract and even though it was a disappointing season I never thought they'd let him go now.

Here's the press release from UT Athletics Media Relations: (full article)

Utah Tech University Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Ken Beazer announced on Monday that Paul Peterson has been relieved of his duties as head football coach of the Trailblazers effective immediately. Beazer added that Peterson will be reassigned within the athletic department.

Peterson completed his fifth season as head coach of the Trailblazer program following Utah Tech's 24-16 loss to Southern Utah this past Saturday night, which concluded a 2-9 season and an eighth-place finish (1-5) in the United Athletic Conference. He compiled a 17-32 record over his tenure at Utah Tech, which included a 9-29 mark during the program's NCAA Division I FCS transition.

"I want to thank Paul for his hard work on behalf of our football program and our student-athletes over the past five years," Beazer said. "I look forward to Paul continuing to contribute to our athletics program in our progression toward full NCAA Division I status."

A national search for Utah Tech's next head football coach will begin immediately. Utah Tech Athletic officials will not provide any further comment on the coaching search until the search is completed.