CFB: Boston: Reports on Mumme's future are incorrect
Associated Press
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — New Mexico State athletic director McKinley Boston is evaluating the future of the football program, but he says reports that head coach Hal Mumme would be dismissed this week were "incorrect" and "cavalier."
"Our university lawyer has not contacted his lawyer or have gotten into any negotiation," Boston said.
As for evaluating the program, Boston said that's a process he typically puts on hold until the end of the football season. NMSU is preparing to face Louisiana Tech this weekend in the team's final home game.
Despite the evaluation, Boston said that doesn't mean that a decision has been made regarding Mumme and the coaching staff's future.
"People have taken a cavalier approach into what is a serious process and approach," Boston said. "A lot of people's lives could be impacted in the decision I make. To not talk to the appropriate people about that, to not find out where we are at, it is wrong."
Mumme, who has an 11-36 record at the university, said he spoke with Boston on Tuesday and the conversation was positive.
"I don't know anymore than you do," Mumme said. "I plan on being here."
This season, the team is 3-7 overall and 1-5 in Western Athletic Conference play. A loss to Fresno State last week ended the Aggies hopes of becoming bowl eligible.
Russ Campbell, Mumme's attorney, would not respond to the reports about Mumme. Campbell said that as far as he's concerned, Mumme will remain with the program for the remainder of his contract, which extends through next season.
"Coach Mumme will continue to prepare his team for the final two games of the season until he is told differently. And we haven't heard anything different from Dr. Boston," Campbell said.
Players at Monday's team news conference said they have ignored the rumblings surrounding the program and the future of its coaching staff.
"I'm not going to say that any changes should be made," senior safety Derrick Richardson said. "We have great coaches and a great team. When I hear talk like that, I just brush it off, move on."
