UTM Athletics Director Phil Dane announced Thursday evening that UTM head football coach Sam McCorkle had been dismissed from his position, citing “philosophical differences.”

Also, because of the family relationship that exists on the coaching staff, Blaine McCorkle was also released as the offensive line coach.

Current defensive line and strength and conditioning coach, Johnny Jernigan will take over as interim head coach until a new coach is hired.

Graduate assistant Jason Underwood will be stepping in as the offensive line coach.

McCorkle, who finishes his UTM career with a record of 5-25, assumed the position in Dec. 1999.

He was the replacement for coach Jim Marshall.

Dane said that he had been thinking this over for several weeks and it came out in a Thursday morning meeting with the coach.

Even though the Skyhawks are 2-6 this season, Dane said the decision was “not necessarily about wins and losses.”

When asked about the choice in making the decision with two games left in the season, Dane said that it was better to get it over with than prolong it.

“I didn’t want to carry on a charade, just get it over with now,” said Dane.

Dane also said that it will take several weeks to get the paperwork and advertisements done for filling the position and making the decision gives them extra time.

Dane did not expound on his decision much.

“It would be foolish to say it didn’t have anything to do with winning,” said Dane. “Our philosophies didn’t jive.”

The players were notified of the decision around 2:30 p.m., just before practice.

Dane said that he is not necessarily looking for a head coach to fill the roll. “I want someone who will assess the talent we have and build around it,” said Dane.

“I’m also looking for someone that shares what my values are for what we’re about in higher education,” said Dane. “It costs too much to give a scholarship and the player not be here their senior year.”

The Skyhawks have four games left in the season. UTM travels to Gardner-Webb Saturday. Play begins at 12:30 p.m.