“Shane Montgomery is an extraordinary person who has contributed to our department, university and community in exceptional ways,” said Bates. “Ultimately, however, our responsibility to Miami University is to maximize our students’ development, and we believe that winning championships facilitates student growth and development in substantial and meaningful ways. Our competitive success in the past few years has not reflected the lofty standards of excellence we expect.

 

“Our search process will begin immediately and move swiftly yet deliberately. We must hire the perfect fit for our current context, goals and aspirations.”

 

Miami University President David Hodge supported the decision, saying “Shane Montgomery has been a very positive member of the Miami Family and has been an exceptional role model for his players, both on and off the field. Unfortunately, the football team has not achieved the level of success that we expect at Miami, and Brad Bates believes that the program needs a new direction.  We wish the very best for Shane, Sandy and their family.”

 

The 2008 season was Montgomery’s fourth as the head coach of the RedHawks. Miami had a 2-10 record this past season and compiled a cumulative record of 17-31 through four seasons under Montgomery’s direction.

 

Montgomery’s best season came in his first year as head coach (2005) when he led the Red and White to a 7-4 overall record and a share of the Mid-American Conference’s East Division title. In 2007, he again directed Miami to a share of the MAC East championship. The RedHawks were defeated by Central Michigan in the league’s championship game. Since 2005, Montgomery’s four-year record in MAC play was 13-18.

 

Montgomery initially joined Miami as its offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2001 under then-head coach Terry Hoeppner. He was instrumental in the development of RedHawk quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Josh Betts.