Rebels announce coaching change
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss Athletics Director Keith Carter announced the termination of Matt Luke as head football coach on Sunday.
“After evaluating the overall trajectory of our football program, we did not see enough momentum on the field and determined a change is necessary in order for our student-athletes to compete at the highest level,” Carter said in a statement released by the University.
“While improvements were evident in certain aspects of the program, we are judged ultimately by our record, and, unfortunately, we did not meet the standard of success that we expect from our program. We will always be grateful to Coach Luke for his leadership, particularly from a recruiting, academic and overall culture standpoint. At the same time, winning is important, and we know that we can compete for championships at Ole Miss.
“A search is underway to find a new head coach who can build a complete program that attracts top talent, develops them as young men and sustains a winning mentality. We will be looking for the leadership, energy and commitment to excellence necessary to compete in the Southeastern Conference and galvanize our passionate fan base.“
Ole Miss Athletics Director Keith Carter
Following one season as the Rebels’ interim coach after the dismissal of Hugh Freeze, Luke was introduced as the program’s 38th head coach on Nov. 27, 2017.
In his three season at the helm, Coach Luke compiled a 15-21 record, including a 4-8 record in 2019. The Rebels’ season finished with a 21-20 loss at Mississippi State on Thanksgiving.
“I want to thank Coach Luke for his devotion to Ole Miss,” Carter said.
“His integrity, class and dedication to this program and our student-athletes is unsurpassed, and we will always appreciate how he stepped up at a time when his university needed him the most. We wish him the very best, and he will always be a cherished member of the Ole Miss family.“
Keith Carter on Matt Luke
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn’s love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
