Photo: Tab Brockman
Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mitch Stewart has been named as the 18th head football coach in the history of Murray State football, Murray State University announced on Wednesday. The announcement comes after former head coach Chris Hatcher was named head coach at Samford earlier in the day.
“Over the past six months, I have had the opportunity to meet, talk and observe the work of Coach Stewart,” said university president Dr. Bob Davies. “My initial impressions were that he is an impressive, young coach who I hope we will be able to hang onto. This morning, I had the opportunity to talk with Mitch specifically about his vision for the program. This includes on the field as well as off the field. He talked candidly about the program, it strengths as well as what he wants to improve and change. He is passionate about Murray State and it’s clear that he wants to be here and advance this program.”
“It’s evident why Mitch is viewed as one of the up-and-coming coaches in the profession,” continued Davies. “ Over the past 24 hours, I have also had the chance to talk with several coaches outside of Murray whom I know and respect. And they spoke highly of Mitch’s work ethic and how he is clearly a student of the game and he knows what it will take to be a successful head football coach.
Ward further echoed Davies sentiments on Stewart and spoke about the continuity and stability that his hire will bring to the program.
“I’m excited that as a result of Dr. Davies’ extraordinary leadership, the football program isn’t going to miss a beat as we move forward,” said Ward. “Mitch is one of the bright, young, offensive-minded coaches in the business and we’re fortunate to have him take the reins for the Racers. He’s an outstanding recruiter, excellent leader, and ready to be a head coach. We’re going to be able to take full advantage of the upcoming recruiting season.”
“I am honored to have been chosen by Dr. Davies and Mr. Ward to lead this program,” said Stewart. “We have a great thing here in Murray and I am looking forward to keeping the program moving in a positive direction. Since I arrived here we have had one of the best offenses in the country, a tradition I plan to keep very much alive. However, now we will be focused on building a defense to match that offense, to ensure that this program can continue to grow and take the next step.”
Stewart has been with the Racers for the past five seasons and has been the offensive coordinator in each of the last four. Under his tenure, MSU has led the OVC in scoring offense in three of his four seasons as the main signal caller. Since taking over as OC, Stewart-led offenses have averaged 5,201.5 yards and 409 points per season or 452.3 yards and 35.6 points per game.
In each of his four seasons in charge of the MSU offense, Stewart’s units have failed to reach the 400 point and 5,000 yard milestone just once. This season, his offense ranked 15th in the nation with 5,625 yards of total offense and 439 points.
Not only has Stewart worked hard at developing a top notch offense, but he is respected and liked by his players. “Coach Stewart is a player’s coach,” said rising junior quarterback KD Humphries. “We have a great offense that works and things can only better from here. Despite being a great husband and father, Coach Stewart always finds time to help his players, as well. Whether it is showing up to meetings early just to talk with us about what’s going on in our lives or relating to us on a personal level, he’s always someone we can turn to.”
While Stewart has clearly won the respect of his players, other people have taken notice of him as well. “I think Mitch is an excellent hire,” said former MSU head coach Chris Hatcher. “He is someone who is familiar with the inner workings of MSU and its operations, and someone who will do a great job. I am excited for him and his family about this fantastic opportunity. The future of Murray State football is in good hands.”
Since arriving in Murray, Stewart has coached two All-Americans as part of the offense. Casey Brockman earned the honor in 2011 and 2012, while Walter Powell was named to the first team in both 2012 and 2013.
This season, Stewart helped develop first-year quarterback Humphries into one of the premier QBs in all of FCS. Humphries finished the 2014 season ranked ninth in passing touchdowns with 27, sixth in passing yards at 3,483, sixth in passing yards per game at 290.3, sixth in points responsible for at 204, fourth in completion percentage at 67.4 percent and first in completions per game at 26.58.
Prior to MSU, Stewart spent three seasons as the receivers coach at Georgia Southern. He began his coaching career in 2006, when he served as the OC for Newnan High School in Newnan, Georgia for one season. He is also no stranger to quarterbacks as he served in the role from 2001-2005 a Valdosta State and helped lead the Blazers to a runner-up finish in 2002 and a national title in 2004.
Additional Quotes From President Dr. Bob Davies
“It was important that we moved quickly and hiring Mitch provides some clear advantages for the program. This includes, retaining key staff members, filling vacancies, ensuring the continuity of our strength—offensive—as well as address other aspects that need to improve. Furthermore, we are able to take full advantage of the upcoming recruiting period. And importantly, is addresses the needs of our current student-athletes of knowing who their coach will be as they head home for the holidays.”
“I want Racer fans to know that I am fully committed to our football program and look forward to working with Mitch and Director of Athletics Allen Ward as we position the team for long-term success.”
Additional Quotes From Director of Athletics Allen Ward
“I want to thank Coach Hatcher for his outstanding work at Murray State and his undeniable commitment to our program. The program and facilities are in much better shape than they were before his arrival. I wish him, his wife Lori, and their children Ty and Talley the very best as they will always be part of the Racer family.”
“Offensively, we’ve been a juggernaut with Mitch as offensive coordinator. It’s hard to get much better than finishing first in scoring three out of the past four years. Obviously, keeping that momentum going, while making improvements defensively, is the direction we feel is important. The team is really excited, as they should be
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