Missouri AD voices no interest in bowl game

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri is not interested in accepting a bowl bid after finishing the regular season 5-7.

Athletic director Mack Rhoades said Monday that the school would not seek permission to play another game. Rhoades said the focus was on finding a successor to coach Gary Pinkel, who is stepping down while batting non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

"Following this weekend's football games, there have been significant discussions nationally concerning 5-7 teams participating in bowl games," Rhoades said. "After careful consideration, we have decided it is not in the best interest of our football program to seek permission from the NCAA to participate in a bowl game."

There are a record 40 bowl games this season. NCAA officials say teams with 5-7 records will become eligible for at least two bowl bids, and as many as five, based on their Academic Progress Rates.

Missouri reportedly has named long-time assistant coach Andy Hill interim head coach.

Among the top candidates to succeed Pinkel are Temple coach Matt Rhule and Missouri defensive coordinator Barry Odom.