NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University announced Sunday that Blaine McCorkle will not be retained as the university’s head football coach.
Veteran assistant Norman Joseph, who has served as the associate head coach and quarterbacks coach, has been named the interim head coach for Thursday’s season finale at Stephen F. Austin.
“We sincerely appreciate coach McCorkle and the dedication, commitment and hard work he has demonstrated during his three years leading the Northwestern State football program,” Vice President/Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “During his time at Northwestern State, coach McCorkle undertook the important task of rebuilding the culture of a proud football program with a rich tradition. His efforts helped establish a foundation centered on accountability, discipline, commitment and pride in representing Northwestern State University.”
Utilizing an approach that emphasized trust, unity, character, accountability and toughness, McCorkle’s teams raised the program’s cumulative grade point average to nearly a 3.0 while four student-athletes were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Teams in the past two seasons.
“We recognize the time and energy coach McCorkle invested in our student-athletes, coaching staff, and the university,” Bostian said. “We are grateful for his service and wish him and his family nothing but success in their future endeavors.
“While this decision marks the beginning of a new chapter for Northwestern State football, our commitment to building a program that reflects the pride, tradition and expectations of Northwestern State University remains strong. We believe in the future of Demon football and are committed to positioning this program for sustained success.”