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| Hunter Sims, here shown wearing zero hats, has actually worn two hats all season at Howard Payne University. Howard Payne athletics photo |
Howard Payne announced that Hunter Sims, who has served as head football coach and director of athletics since April, will step down as coach to focus solely on his duties as athletic director.
The Yellow Jackets were 0-10 this season.
Following the retirement of Mike Jones as athletic director in December 2015, HPU conducted a nationwide search for a replacement. Sims was selected and, because of the timing of the start of the football season, agreed to continue as head coach in addition to assuming the role of athletic director.
As a result of today's move, Sims will focus his full attention on current and future projects for the entire athletic department.
"I am excited to be transitioning to full-time focus as director of athletics," said Sims. "It is also exciting to be a better servant to the rest of our department and keep the forward momentum going."
As HPU's athletic director, Sims has made significant improvements in the department's marketing plan and has boosted community involvement through service projects.
"We are very thankful for Hunter's service in both roles this season, and we look forward to his continued positive leadership as athletic director," said Magen Bunyard, vice president for student life and dean of students.
Sims has also completed the department's five-year self-study requirement to the NCAA and made improvements to HPU's athletic facilities.
The search for a new head football coach will begin immediately. HPU is considering internal and external candidates to fill the open position.