Head coach reassigned to interim position
Contact: Rene Abadie
12/6/06
HAMMOND – Dennis Roland’s tenure as Southeastern Louisiana University’s head football coach has ended with Roland being transferred to the position of Interim Special Assistant to the President for Athletic Affairs, President Randy Moffett announced today.
Head coach for the past two years, Roland has been on medical leave for much of the fall. In late October, he entered Emory University Medical Center in Atlanta for testing and treatment associated with an infection and a return of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Roland also served as Southeastern’s interim athletic director.
“No doubt, this is a difficult time for Dennis and his family, as well as for Southeastern,” Moffett said. “We believe this move is in his best interest and allows him and his family to focus on the health challenges he faces. In addition, we believe this move will allow the football program to move forward with some stability and continuity.”
In his new position, Roland will advise university officials on matters dealing with Southland Conference relations, an upcoming NCAA certification process, scheduling, athletic policies, facility upgrades and academic issues as they relate to athletes.
“Mr. Roland has a wealth of experience that will be of great assistance to the university in addressing some of the challenges we are facing,” Moffett said.
Defensive coordinator Michael Lucas, who had served as interim head coach during the last three games of the 2006 season, will continue in that position and the university will move forward expeditiously to confirm a new head coach. Interim Senior Associate Athletic Director Kim Graham will serve as the primary administrator of the athletic program.
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