Mal Moore statement on Shula firing

UPDATE 9:45 a.m. Following is a statement from Mal Moore, director of athletics at the University of Alabama, regarding the head coaching position of the Alabama football team:

“I have informed Mike Shula that he will not be retained as head football coach at the University of Alabama.

“Mike and his staff took over our program during a trying period four years ago, and in a number of ways Mike has been an excellent representative of our program. He personally has displayed impeccable character. As both a player and a head coach, Mike has made tremendous contributions to our program and we always will be grateful for his efforts. He has provided stability for our program through four years of NCAA probation which ends on February 1, 2007.

“However, we did not make progress on the field this season and have not been able to maintain the positive momentum necessary to return Alabama football to a place among college football’s elite programs.

“We will immediately begin a national search for a new head football coach. I am seeking a proven head coach with a proven record of achievement who can reach the level of excellence that all of us desire.”