UPDATE: The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) has just announced that head football coach Bryant Vincent will take on the role of interim athletic director. This surprising move comes in light of John Hartwell‘s resignation, confirmed on August 4, 2023.
In a rare decision for the FBS landscape, Vincent will juggle both responsibilities as he steps in to fill the void left by Hartwell. This dual role is highly unusual in college athletics, with few coaches taking on administrative duties simultaneously. The last notable instance was Derek Dooley, who held both positions at Louisiana Tech from 2008-2010.
Vincent, 49, joined ULM in December 2022 after serving as the offensive coordinator at New Mexico. Under his leadership, the Warhawks have shown significant improvement, climbing from a disappointing 2-10 record in 2023 to a more respectable 5-7 in 2024, marking their best performance since 2019.
This is Vincent’s first venture into an administrative capacity at the collegiate level. Previously, he made a name for himself as a high school coach and later as an offensive assistant at programs such as South Alabama and UAB. Notably, he served as UAB’s interim head coach in 2022, leading the Blazers to a 7-6 record and a victory in the Bahamas Bowl.
The decision to appoint Vincent as interim AD reflects ULM’s commitment to stability during this transition period. As the university navigates this leadership change, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Vincent balances his coaching duties with his new administrative responsibilities.
WHAT’S NEXT: ULM officials expect Vincent to spearhead critical decisions regarding the athletic department as they gear up for the upcoming season. Fans and players alike are eager to see how this unorthodox arrangement will impact the Warhawks’ future.
This development is significant not only for ULM but also for the broader college football community, as it challenges the norm of separation between coaching and administrative roles. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Vincent to navigate this dual responsibility effectively.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.