UIW parts ways with head football coach Larry Kennan

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The University of Incarnate Word fired football coach Larry Kennan on Monday after a 1-10 season, 1-7 in the Southland Conference.

Kennan, 73, was 20-46 in six seasons at the school.

"I want to thank Coach Kennan for his six years of hard work on behalf of hundreds of student athletes," director of athletics Brian Wickstrom said in a statement. "The UIW mission calls for respectful interaction that advances discovery of truth, mutual understanding, self-realization and the common good."

"Coach Kennan fulfilled the mission and has set our program up for success at the highest level of college football."

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A national search for his replacement will begin immediately, Wickstrom said.

UIW coach Larry Kennan in action on the sidelines during the 2016 season. UIW coach Larry Kennan in action on the sidelines during the 2016 season. Photo: UIW Courtesy Photo / Photo: UIW Courtesy Photo / Image 1 of / 21 Caption Close UIW parts ways with head football coach Larry Kennan 1 / 21 Back to Gallery

Kennan, who coached three seasons at Lamar before taking over at UIW in 2012, was an assistant coach in the NFL and CFL for 15 years with eight teams, including Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.

Kennan helped guide the UIW program through a successful transition from the NCAA Division II level to full Division I status.

His best season was 2015 when the Cardinals finished 6-5 overall and 5-4 in the Southland.

During Kennan's tenure, UIW had three players reach the NFL: Cole Wick (Detroit Lions), Myke Tavarres (Philadelphia Eagles) and Alex Jenkins (New Orleans Saints).

jwhisler@express-news.net | Twitter: @johnfwhisler