Griffin out as Murray State's head coach

MURRAY, Ky. -- Murray State athletic director Allen Ward says football coach Matt Griffin won't be returning next season.

Ward says he decided a change would be an advantage for the western Kentucky school. He says a search will begin immediately for a new head coach.

Ward said in an announcement Monday that Griffin has improved the program's foundation, but says the program "took a step back this season." He says he thinks a change in leadership will allow Murray "to build upon what we have in place and energize a dedicated team and fan base."

Murray State (3-7, 2-5 Ohio Valley Conference) suffered its most recent loss last Saturday, losing 49-13 to Southeast Missouri, which had been previously winless in the OVC this season.