SEC coaching pioneer Sylvester Croom resigns

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State University’s Sylvester Croom announced Saturday that he was officially resigning as the head football coach. The sudden decision to resign comes to some but not all after the schools' most lopsided performance a 45-0 drubbing last Friday by #25 Ole Miss in the famed "Egg Bowl".

"Five years ago, Mississippi State gave me the unprecedented opportunity to be a head football coach in the Southeastern Conference and to build a program based upon a strong foundation," Croom said. "I believe the foundation has been set for those goals to be reached under the leadership of someone else, and it was my decision to resign."

The former Alabama star was an assistant at his alma mater from 1977-86, then spent 17seasons as an assistant in the NFL. Last season after the Bulldogs posted an 8-5 record and won the Liberty Bowl over UCF, Coach Croom was awarded the prestigious SEC Coach of the year award. However, in our win now or go home era of college and professional sports the expectations of fans, boosters and alumni can and most often does lead to quality coaches being shown the door.

The weight of a 4-8 record this season and a 21-38 record overall during his tenure proved to be too much for the SEC's first African American head coach endure. His players were alerted of his decision to resign via text message from the school's officials but many felt that he would not return next season and some defended the coach after the horrible defeat on Friday.

"I think it is unfair," wide receiver Delmon Robinson said of the criticism. "It's all about the players. We've got to win and we've got to go out there and execute coach's plays." (Dallasmorningnews.com)

Mississippi State will begin its search for a new head football coach immediately. All current assistant football coaches remain under contract and will continue performing their duties until the new head coach is hired. Kudos to the MSU organization and administration for breaking down racial barriers in the south by hiring Coach Croom five years ago then, allowing him the dignity of resigning quietly. Although, he will no longer be their coach his impact on the players and the MSU family will not be forgotten.

“Coach Croom instilled in our football program a level of academic commitment, good sportsmanship, and good citizenship that represents our institution well,” Interim President Dr. Roy H. Ruby said. “The Mississippi State family wishes only the best for Coach Croom and his family.” (Mstateathletics.com)