Tech coach resigns

Tennessee Tech head coach Mike Hennigan, 54, resigned Thursday, citing helath reasons. The school announced his departure Friday. From the TTU release:

"I have some concerns for my health," Hennigan said, "and I don't feel like I can get through the hours required and the physical drain from camp and the season."

The release said Hennigan, a 1973 TTU grad, received a contract extension after the 2005 season that would have carried him through 2009.

A story in the Cookeville Herald-Citizen quotes Hennigan as saying the health issues are related to lower chronic back pain that doctors have been unable to find a source for. But that's not the only reason Hennigan is leaving after 10 years at the helm (and 10 as DC) of the Golden Eagles. From the CHC story:

"You know the frustrations we have at Tennessee Tech. What I hoped for in December was that the team for the upcoming season could see a commitment in football from the university. The number one thing was to get a weight coach in here before the summer. We are still searching for a weight coach and the summer is up," Hennigan quipped.

"It got to the point where it's not a job that I'm not excited about being a part of it. My health is the number one issue, but it's also not an attractive position right now."

The move leaves Tech with a little under two months to find a new head coach before the 2006 season begins. The team arrives for camp in a little over a month. Henningan said in the story he'd like to see a member of his staff considered to replace him. Neither the release nor the story mention a search for a new coach.

Thanks to FL_Connection for bringing this news to my attention.