Troy University Head Football Coach Larry Blakeney says the 2014 season will be his last.

Blakeney will retire after the 2014 season after 24 seasons as head coach.  He has amassed 175 wins during his tenure at Troy, making him the fourth winningest college football coach in the state of Alabama, just one win behind Auburn's legendary coach Shug Jordan.  The playing surface at Troy is named after Blakeney.

Blakeney over saw the metamorphosis of the Troy program as they progressed from Division II to Division 1-AA and then to the FBS and membership in the Sun Belt Conference.

From 2006-10 the Trojans dominated the league, winning or sharing five straight conference titles.  Eighteen Trojans have been NFL draft picks, including first rounders DeMarcus Ware (Dallas) and Leodis McKelvin (Buffalo).  Troy has had victories over Missouri, Oklahoma State and Mississippi State.

The last few years have been rocky for Blakeney and the Trojans, however..  Since the five year run of championships, Troy has gone just 14-27.  They are 0-5 this season, including a 66-0 loss to Georgia and a loss to FCS member Abilene Christian.

Troy athletic director John Hartwell said a national search would begin immediately to find Blakeney's successor.  Hartwell also said Troy would pay a competitive salary.  Blakeney is making $505,000 per year.

Troy Sports Information Director Adam Prendergast has a detailed story, including quotes from Blakeney and Hartwell on the Troy website.

 

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