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| Mike Dunlevy succeeded Frank
Fulton after Fulton coached the first two seasons of Averett
football. Averett athletics photo by David Conner II |
Averett football coach Mike Dunlevy resigned to pursue other opportunities, the university announced on Wednesday.
Dunlevy departs the football program with a 49-69 career record in 12 seasons. Averett recently finished its second consecutive 1-9 season.
"I appreciate the opportunity that I've had to be the head coach here the past 12 years," Dunlevy said. "We've had great support from our administration, faculty and staff. I've enjoyed coaching and working with all of the student-athletes we've had in our program. They've made a great impact on my life."
Dunlevy took over the Averett program, which began play in 2000, prior to the 2002 season. He was named the 2003 USA South Conference Coach of the Year, led the Cougars to a USA South co-championship in 2006 and guided them to three 7-3 seasons.
"Coach Dunlevy has exemplified the character, class and sportsmanship that a director of athletics hopes for in a football head coach," Averett athletic director Meg Stevens said. "I respect him for his integrity and leadership on and off the field. During his 12 years at Averett, he has done an incredible job preparing his student-athletes for life after football."
During Dunlevy's tenure, Averett produced 108 all-conference selections, 43 all-state selections, six all-region selections, three players who earned All-America honors, two USA South Defensive Rookies of the Year and one USA South Defensive Player of the Year. His players also succeeded in the class room. Entering this season, Dunlevy's teams had produced 145 USA South Academic All-Conference selections and one winner of the Don Scalf Award, which recognizes the conference's student-athlete of the year. In addition, he coached 11 players who went on to play professionally.
"Coach Dunlevy has been an exemplary role model to hundreds of young men and I'm grateful for the positive influence he has been in their lives," Averett president Tiffany Franks said. "I appreciate the tremendous service Mike and his family has given to Averett University."
A national search for a head coach will begin immediately.