MURRAY, Ky. -- Murray State has hired Kentucky special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach Dean Hood as its head football coach.
Hood returns to the Ohio Valley Conference, where he went 44-19 in conference games and 55-38 overall with two conference titles and three FCS playoff berths from 2008 to 2015 at Eastern Kentucky. He had spent the past three seasons with the Wildcats and contributed to a successful run that included earning their fourth consecutive bowl appearance this fall. The 30-year veteran also has coached at Wake Forest, Colgate, Ohio and Charlotte.
Hood replaces Mitch Stewart, who was reassigned within the Racers' athletic department after going 19-37 in five seasons, including 4-8 (2-6 OVC) this past season. Athletic director Kevin Saal praised Hood's character and integrity in a release and added, "I look forward to partnering with him to accomplish our shared vision for the program."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.