Saint Augustine's University Releases Costa as Head Football Coach

PHOTO COURTESY: SAU ATHLETICS

RALEIGH, North Carolina  -- Michael Costa has been released as Head Football Coach at Saint Augustine's University effective September 8, 2014. Tremayne Henry has also been relieved of his duties as Defensive Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator at the University.

Costa was in his 13th season as head coach with a 39-63 record at Saint Augustine's University.

"We appreciate what Coach Costa has done for the team and Saint Augustine's University," Athletic Director George Williams said. "At this time, we feel it's best to go in another direction."

Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Michael Morand has been elevated to Interim Head Football Coach. He has over 14 years of coaching experience on the professional and collegiate levels.

Morand was selected for the NCAA Expert Coaches Forum in Orlando, Fla., in 2009. The Forum teaches upcoming coaches how to become effectiv
e Head Football Coaches. Morand also participated in an internship with the NFL Houston Texans in 2009 and worked closely with Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan. The Texans ranked fourth in total offense and first in passing offense in the NFL that season.

In 2008, Morand was selected to attend the NCAA Coaches Academy in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Academy is developed to train minorities for head coaching positions. He is also a member of the American Football Coaches Association, in which he serves on the AFCA committee for Professional Development.

Before coming to Saint Augustine's University, Morand worked in the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles training camp as an intern in the scouting department during the summer of 2014. In 2013, he was the defensive coach for the Omaha Beef of the Championship Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL), where he helped guide the team to the playoffs.

An Atlanta, Ga. native, Morand was the Defensive Quality Control Coach/Linebacker Coach in 2012 and the Offensive Quality Control/ Assistant Wide Receiver Coach in 2011 for the Omaha Nighthawks in the United Football League. He was the co-Offensive coordinator, Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Coach at North Carolina A&T State University during the 2009-2010 season. He also served as the Director of Football Operations at A&T.

During his time at North Carolina A&T, Morand guided one of the top rushing attacks in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Before arriving at A&T, Morand served as the Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Coach at Virginia State University in 2007 and 2008.

Under his direction in the 2007 season, the Trojans ranked second in scoring offense, total offense, red zone offense, and passing efficiency, and first in fourth down conversions in the CIAA. In the 2008 season, Morand coached the top-ranked running back and top-ranked wide receiver in the CIAA. Both players were ranked in the top 10 of their respective categories in NCAA Division II. During his two years as offensive coordinator, Morand produced six All-CIAA players, one third-team Don Hansen All-American and one CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Prior to his stint at Virginia State, Morand served as Running Backs Coach at Wingate University from 2004-2006. During his tenure at Wingate, Morand helped guide the team to a 21-11 record and several national Top 25 rankings.

In 2003, Morand helped start the Barber-Scotia College football program. He was the Assistant Head Football Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for the team. In 2002, Morand was the Quarterbacks and Wide Receivers Coach at Livingstone College in addition to serving as Recruiting Coordinator and Strength and Conditioning Coach. He coached two players to All-CIAA honors that season.

In 2001, Morand was at the University of West Georgia where he coached Harlon Hill candidate running back Nick Price. Morand also gained valuable experience coaching the complex West Coast Offense that season as the team compiled an 8-3 overall record.

During his collegiate playing days, Morand was the quarterback at Florida A&M University from 1996-1999. He was coached by the legendary Billy Joe, the fourth winningest NCAA Division I football head coach. With Morand at quarterback, Florida A&M won the MEAC Championship in 1996, the Co-MEAC Championship in 1998 and the Black College National Championship in 1998. The Rattlers participated in the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs each year during Morand's career. In high school, Morand helped Southwest DeKalb High School win the Georgia state championship and earn a No. 11 national ranking in the USA Today poll.

Morand received a Bachelor of Science Degree at Florida A&M University and a Master of Science in Specialization Sports Management at Nova Southeastern University. Morand is currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program for Educational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University.

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION