NO ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING STATUS OF SEMO FOOTBALL COACH

There was no announcement Sunday regarding the status of Southeast Missouri State University head football coach John Mumford, but the Southeast Missourian has learned Mumford was told at a Sunday morning meeting with school administrators that his contract would not be renewed.

An announcement on Mumford's status is expected soon and could come as early as today during the coach's normal weekly media conference.

The Indians wrapped up their second consecutive 3-8 season Saturday when undefeated Tennessee State, the nation's top-ranked NCAA Division I-AA team, held on to beat Southeast 35-28 at Houck Stadium.

In 10 seasons as the Indians' head coach, Mumford has compiled a 40-70 record, including a 33-67 mark in nine years on the Division I-AA level. Southeast is 13-31 over the last three seasons.

Following last season's 3-8 record, Mumford's contract was extended for one year, at which time it was announced that specific goals concerning the 1999 team's performance level both on and off the field had been mutually agreed upon between Mumford and the Southeast administration. Those goals were not made public.

The Indians began this season with seven straight losses, then won three consecutive games before Saturday's near-miss against Tennessee State.

Mumford's contract runs through Jan. 31.