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Ball State fires Mike Neu after fourth-straight losing season

Ball State has fired coach Mike Neu, the school announced Saturday, as the Cardinals are 3-7.

Neu has gone 40-63 in nine seasons at Ball State. Neu won the MAC title in 2020, which was his only winning season at Ball State. Sources said the staff was informed of the move early Saturday.

Offensive line coach Colin Johnson will serve as interim head coach for the last two games, director of athletics Jeff Mitchell said in a statement. Ball State hosts Bowling Green on Nov. 23, then plays at Ohio on Nov. 29.

Neu is a beloved alum with a strong campus reputation, but the lack of results ultimately led to his dismissal. Ball State lost 51-48 in overtime at Buffalo this week and fell to 2-4 in MAC conference play.

That clinched a fourth-consecutive losing season for Ball State.

"Coach Neu has poured his heart into the Ball State football program," Mitchell said in the statement. "I commend him for his professionalism and the positive team culture he has constructed. His efforts have greatly impacted the lives of hundreds of young men. He has represented the Ball State brand with integrity and class, and I wish him well in future pursuits."

Neu did lead Ball State to two bowl games. That included a win over San Jose State in the Arizona Bowl to concluded the 2020 season, as Ball State finished 7-1 and won the MAC title that year.