Benedict Fires Football Coach James Woody

COLUMBIA, South Carolina  -- Benedict College has released head football coach James Woody from his contract, announced Willie Washington, the school's Director of Athletics.

"We appreciate the hard work Coach Woody and his staff performed over the last few seasons," Washington said. "But after a careful review of the entire football program, it was determined that a change in direction was necessary."

Woody took over midway through the 2011 season and went 1-5 as interim coach. Benedict went 1-9 in 2012 before going 4-6 in 2013 and 2014. Woody went 10-26 in three and a half seasons as head coach. He was 4-10 in home games and 6-20 in SIAC conference games.

A national search for a head football coach will begin immediately, Washington said.

COURTESY BENEDICT COLLEGE TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION