As of 8:32am, McNeese Assistant AD/Sports Director Matthew Bonnette released a statement that the position for a new athletic director as been terminated for now. Bonnette also says a new search will resume for the 2020 -2021 year. Previous applicants are encouraged to reapply.

Bruce Hemphill was the former athletic director for MSU. Hemphill was the A.D. for seven years before he was terminated by McNeese President Daryl Burckel. Hemphill had made a comment back when the decision was made saying he felt blessed to be the director of athletics and that he'd created many memories while working at MSU.

Burckel said his decision to terminate the search had a lot to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the cancellation of spring sports, their revenue has declined. He said they have had a tremendous response from qualified applicants for the position but based on all of the factors, it would be best to leave the position unfilled at the moment.

McNeese is among many schools preparing for sports to come back in the fall. The school is currently waiting on guidance from the NCAA and Southland Conference concerning the return of student athletes.

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