Tennessee Tech's Hennigan steps down after 10 seasons

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Tech head football coach Mike Hennigan is resigning after 10 years at the helm of the Golden Eagles.

Hennigan, 54, informed athletic director Mark Wilson of his decision Thursday. His contract was to run through the 2009 season.

"I have some concerns for my health and I don't feel like I can get through the hours required and the physical drain from camp and the season," he said.

Hennigan, a Golden Eagle linebacker from 1971 to 1972, was named head coach of the Tennessee Tech program in December of 1996 after serving as defensive coordinator for 10 years.

In 1997, Hennigan led the Golden Eagles to a 6-5 record, the school's first winning record in four seasons. His best season came in 2000, when the team went 8-3 and ranked in the Division I-AA top 25.

Hennigan posted 52-57 overall record as head coach.

He served as athletic director in 2003 and 2004, leading the department through a series of mandated budget cuts.

"Mike Hennigan is a coach with great integrity and character and has represented Tennessee Tech in a first-class manner," Wilson said. "His decision to step down comes as a surprise to all of us. We certainly wish Mike and his family all the very best."