Mark Cunningham has resigned as head coach at Goliad after two seasons and a 4-16 record overall.
Goliad football coach resigns
Originally published January 12, 2012 at 6:30 p.m., updated January 12, 2012 at 11:05 p.m.
Print
Share
CommentCOACHING VACANCIES
Victoria East (7-5, Mickey Finley)
Bay City (3-7, Robert Blackmon)
Woodsboro (2-8, Brad Vickers)Shiner St. Paul (11-3, Paul Johnston)
Goliad (2-8, Mark Cunningham)
MARK CUNNINGHAM COACHING FILE
Years as Head Coach: 14Schools: Pittsburg (4), Alvarado (2), Glen Rose (4), White Settlement (2), Goliad (2)Overall Record: 78-68Record at Goliad: 4-16
Mark Cunningham returned from the Christmas vacation and discovered his tenure as the athletic director and head football coach at Goliad had come to an end.
Cunningham resigned from the position Tuesday, following a meeting of the Goliad school district board of trustees on Monday night.
"They told me they wanted somebody else in as head coach," Cunningham said on Thursday. "I was shocked. But I didn't want to be a burden to the kids."
Cunningham declined to be specific about who prompted the resignation after his second season at Goliad.
Goliad had a 4-16 record during Cunningham's tenure. The Tigers were 2-8 last season and went 1-4 in District 30-3A.
"I don't want to cause any problems for the kids," Cunningham said. "They worked their rear ends off."
Christy Paulsgrove, superintendent of the Goliad school district, refused to discuss the reasons for Cunningham's departure.
"It was a mutual thing," Paulsgrove said. "I really can't comment other than to say we accepted his resignation."
Cunningham came to Goliad from China Spring, where he was the defensive coordinator for two seasons.
Cunningham has been a head coach for 14 seasons. He previously coached at Pittsburg, Alvarado, Glen Rose, White Settlement and has an overall record of 78-68.
Cunningham said he was most proud of the increase in the number of students participating in athletics.
He also touted his offseason program for male and female athletes.
"I know the kids are faster and stronger," Cunningham said. "Whoever comes in here should be able to win. The kids are going to do very well."
Cunningham was uncertain about whether he would seek another coaching position.
"I'm not sure right now," he said. "I'm going to take a look see about how I want to go."
Goliad submitted an average daily attendance of 414 to the University Interscholastic League.
Goliad will likely drop to Class 2A for the next two school years when the UIL's realignment and reclassification is announced on Feb. 2.
Paulsgrove said Dale Mullenix will be in charge of the boys programs, and Stacy Zamzow will direct the girls programs until a new athletic director and head football coach is in place.
The district will accept applications for the position through Jan. 24.
Paulsgrove said the board of trustees would discuss hiring Cunningham's replacement at special-called meeting on Jan. 23.
"We want to get someone as soon as we can because of realignment," she said.
Comments
GridironJS says...
Goliad seems to be a very good situation for the right coach. That have had some mild success, although nothing in the last 2 years. Going to 2A will definitely improve their playoff chances each year. They have arguably the finest facilities in South Texas. That new Athletic facilitiy they built is out of this world. Probably going to be a really good situation for whatever coach gets this job.
January 13, 2012 at 9:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RedXIII says...
The problem with Goliad is they cannot decide whether they wish to have a quality program or play the good ol boy game. Mediocre is good? or do you want to win? Goliad has had good programs in the past but always seems to play favorites dependent on school board kids other influential peoples kids...the public has to get out of interfering w/a good program if you want to win. So what is it Goliad favorites or quality program?
January 13, 2012 at 10:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
xback27 says...
No doubt there will be some good candidates. Advocate in the next couple of days will you please get the names of the candidates printed?
January 14, 2012 at 10:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )