Mizzou head football coach will resign
ABC 17 News has confirmed University of Missouri head football coach Gary Pinkel will resign from his position following the conclusion of the 2015 season.
Pinkel cited health issues as a reason for leaving. He was diagnosed lymphoma in May of this year.
Pinkel will remain as the team’s head coach through December 31 or until a new head coach is in place.
Pinkel said Friday, “I want to make very clear that I’m not doing poorly, and that this is a manageable disease, but it’s one that will never go away,” Pinkel said. “So many people have bigger struggles with other forms of cancer and other serious diseases, and I feel blessed that I’ve got something I can fight and still enjoy a good quality of life. I don’t know how many years I have left, but I want to turn my focus to life outside of the daily grind of football.”
Athletic Director Mack Rhoades said Pinkel made the decision to resign on October 28.
Pinkel publicly supported his football players this week after they boycotted football related activities to show support for a Mizzou student who was on a hunger strike.
Pinkel’s 2015 record so far is 4-5, and
Pinkel said he will take questions following Saturday’s game against BYU at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
University Board of Curators Chairman David Cupps said he learned of Pinkel’s decision to resign on Tuesday night.
Cupps said, “I was surprised and saddened when I received the news of Gary Pinkel’s resignation, especially as he battles for his health. I learned of Gary’s health condition and his decision to resign Tuesday evening. Due to the nature of the conversation, the Board wished to respect Gary’s wishes and did not divulge this information, in order to allow him to tell his team and staff of the news before the announcement was made. MU’s football team has earned tremendous accolades and victories under Gary’s leadership. The Board asks that you keep Gary and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Interim UM System President Mike Middleton said Friday, “Coach Pinkel has worked tirelessly to elevate the prominence of the MU football program and in the process was an extraordinary role model to the student athletes he coached and to those around him. We commend him on his years of service and for the winning football program he built that elevated the university with national recognition. His commitment to his players and the University of Missouri will be recalled for generations to come. Just as he has always supported his players, the University of Missouri community stands by him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Pinkel and his family.”
Interim Chancellor Hank Foley said, “Like all Mizzou fans, I am sorry to hear that Coach Pinkel’s health is preventing him from continuing as our head football coach after this season,” Interim Chancellor Hank Foley said. “His leadership of the Mizzou program has a track record that speaks for itself on the field, but also in the success of former student-athletes after graduation. We send our thoughts and prayers for his full recovery.”
Governor Nixon responded Friday, “Coach Pinkel’s decision to step down due to his diagnosis of lymphoma is sad news for the Tigers and the entire Mizzou family,” Gov. Nixon said. “My friend Gary Pinkel is an outstanding coach and educator. Through his leadership and commitment, Gary has made a positive and lasting impact on the lives of thousands of students and the university as a whole. Gary inspires respect and admiration for all the right reasons – not only for being the winningest coach in Mizzou history, but also for his dedication to the wellbeing of his players, both on and off the field. The First Lady and I wish Gary and his wife Missy all the best in the future.”
ABC 17 News has crews at MU reaching out to students, leaders, and former players. Watch ABC 17 News at 9 p.m. on Fox 22 and ABC 17 News on KMIZ at 10 p.m. on KMIZ to find out the latest reactions and impact from Friday’s decision.
