Rice Football Fires Coach Mike Bloomgren

Rice University has fired head football coach Mike Bloomgren following a disappointing 2-6 start to the season, culminating in a loss to UConn. Bloomgren's tenure, which began in 2018, saw a record of 24-52 and included two bowl game appearances, but he never achieved a winning season. Athletic director Tommy McClelland emphasized the need for new leadership to align the program's trajectory with its aspirations. Associate head coach Pete Alamar will serve as interim head coach while a search for a permanent replacement begins immediately. Despite recent investments and a commitment to enhancing athletic ambitions under new university president Reginald DesRoches, Bloomgren's inability to maintain momentum from previous seasons led to this decision. He is expected to receive a $900,000 payout following his dismissal.