PVAMU Announces Football Coaching Staff Changes; National Search for New Head Coach Begins Immediately

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas -- Prairie View A&M University Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson has announced that the contract of head football coach Heishma Northern will not be renewed. The decision is effective immediately.

Northern completed his fourth season as head coach of the Prairie View A&M Panthers.  The 2014 team finished with a record of 5-5. His four-year record stands at 19-25.

"I wish to thank Coach Northern for his contributions to Prairie View A&M both on and off the field," said Robinson. "This was a difficult decision but after careful review and consideration, I have decided to take the program in a different direction."

Northern served as the 31st head football coach in Prairie View A&M history. Before accepting the position of head coach in 2011, Northern spent six seasons as the team's defensive coordinator. During his tenure as defensive coordinator, Northern produced several All-Americans and fielded a nationally ranked defensive unit.  

"We are grateful for the progress Coach Northern made both as head football coach and as defensive coordinator. His leadership and dedication to the students helped to create exceptional student athletes.  It is important as we prepare to break ground on our new multi-million dollar stadium and athletic facility, that Coach Northern's successor shapes the program into a championship level team," stated Robinson. 

Defensive backs coach Bubba McDowell will serve as interim head football coach.  A national search for Northern's replacement will begin immediately.

COURTESY PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS