Cooper steps down as Alabama A&M's Head Football Coach

Normal, Ala. – During a press conference held Wednesday evening in the lobby of George Hobson Field house, Ron Cooper stepped down as the head coach of the Alabama A&M football program. After four years at the helm, Cooper compiled a 22-23 overall record and led the Bulldogs to the 2000 SWAC Eastern Division Championship and a berth in the SWAC Championship Game.

Cooper met with his team and staff Wednesday night prior to his press conference to let them know of his decision to move on. He then met with the press and issued the following statement:

“There has been alot of speculation concerning my future at Alabama A&M. I am here today to announce that after considering all my options and taking into consideration my family and what is in our best interest, I have decided to return to coaching in the Division I ranks of college football. However, I do not intend to leave Alabama A&M out in the cold.

I have already arranged for visits and any calls, and it is my intent to be available to consult with the Athletic Department and coaching staff on any issue related to the program.

When I first arrived here at Alabama A&M, we were a Division II football program in every aspect. In our first year of Division I, we posted a winning season and in our second year we won the Eastern Division Championship. Every athlete that has spent his senior season in our program has gone on to graduate with a degree.

I have spent four years helping build A&M football and trying to turn it into a legitimate Division I football team and this University has made great strides in doing so, and I hope that it will continue to do so.”

Athletic Director Jim Martin stated that an intensive search for Cooper’s replacement has started and that he looks to name a new head coach with in the next two to three weeks.

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