Mike Hennigan, who has been on medical leave from his position as head football coach at Tennessee Tech University since July, has decided not to return to coaching at his alma mater.
TTU Director of Athletics Mark Wilson met with the Golden Eagle football team late Sunday night to inform them of Hennigan's decision.
Wilson said a national search will begin immediately for Tennessee Tech's next head football coach.
The Golden Eagles have one game remaining in the 2006 season, closing out the year next Saturday afternoon at Southeast Missouri at 1 p.m. The team has played under the direction of acting head coach Doug Malone in 2006.
Hennigan, 55, cited personal reasons when he submitted his resignation on July 6, indicating that he had health concerns that he was working to resolve. He later rescinded his resignation and requested a medical leave of absence.
"Mike Hennigan has represented Tennessee Tech in a first-class manner and we deeply appreciate his loyal service to his alma mater," Wilson said "We wish Mike and his family all the very best."
Wilson said the process to name a head coach to replace Hennigan will get underway immediately, and added that he would not comment on any candidates while the university is undergoing the selection process.
"Our top priority during this transition will be to ensure the success of our student-athletes and the commitment to our football program in the long term,"
says Wilson.