ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico hired former Notre Dame coach Bob Davie to head up its troubled football program.
New Mexico scheduled a news conference for this afternoon to introduce Davie, who will become the university’s 31st head coach.
Davie hasn’t coached since being fired in 2001 by Notre Dame. During his five years as head coach of the Irish, he compiled a 35-25 record, which at the time was the third-worst winning percentage for the Irish. He also led the team to three bowl games, all losses.
Davie replaces Mike Locksley, who was fired midseason after leading the Lobos to a 2-26 mark, including consecutive 1-11 campaigns.
Harris wants Paterno reinstated
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Former Nittany Lions running back Franco Harris is disappointed in the Penn State board of trustees’ decision to fire Joe Paterno and has been publicly voicing his desire for the longtime coach’s reinstatement.
Starting today, Harris, who played for Penn State from 1969-71, said he is going to call every member of the board of trustees to ask if they would rehire Paterno.
“I want each one to tell me yes or no.” Harris said. “And I’d like to see if we can get another vote and have that vote made public.”
For his public support of Paterno, Harris’ position as a spokesman for the Meadows Race Track and Casino in Pittsburgh was “put on hold,” the casino said. Harris said that wasn’t a big concern based on everything Paterno has done for him.
• Penn State said board of trustees member Dr. David M. Joyner, who played football and wrestled for the school, will serve as acting athletic director.
Footnotes.
Southern California receiver Robert Woods is questionable for Saturday’s game against Oregon because of unspecified problems with his ankle and shoulder.
• Arkansas running back Knile Davis (ankle) will not play Saturday against Mississippi State.
• Vanderbilt suspended safety Andre Simmons indefinitely after the sophomore was charged with two felonies after allegedly trying to rob a fellow student in his dorm room. Denver Post wire services
