Last Updated on August 6, 2018 7:00 pm by admin
(STATS) – Stephen F. Austin head coach Clint Conque resigned on Monday, seven weeks after the school suspended him to investigate a potential violation of university policy.
The 57-year-old Conque had a 21-25 record in four seasons. His suspension on June 18 was for an undisclosed reason.
“Today I announce my decision to step down as the head football coach at Stephen F. Austin,” Conque said. “Although I have remained confident in the ongoing investigation into the potential violation of university policy, as a family of faith and out of respect to my profession, I do not want this situation to be a further distraction to the 2018 football team and season. I deeply care for my players and wish them great success this season and beyond.”
Before arriving in Nacogdoches, Texas, Conque was Central Arkansas’ head coach from 2000-13. He has a 126-84 career record, including 74-55 in Southland Conference games.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Byrd, who has been serving as SFA’s interim coach, will remain in the role through the end of the 2018 season, school officials announced.
He will lead an experienced team that was 4-7 overall and 4-5 in the Southland last season. The Lumberjacks return 19 starters plus No. 1 quarterback Foster Sawyer, who played only four games due to a knee injury.
“We will re-evaluate the leadership structure of our team at the conclusion of the year,” SFA athletic director Ryan Ivey said.