Corky Nelson, North Texas Coach/Athletic Director, Won't Be Rehired

DENTON, Texas - Corky Nelson, head football coach and athletic director at the University of North Texas, was told today that his contract will not be renewed when it expires Dec. 31.

Nelson has been at UNT for nine years and compiled a 48-52-1 coaching record. He was named athletic director in 1989.

North Texas had a 6-5 record this season and finished sixth in the Southland Conference with a 2-4 record.

Under Nelson, the Eagles were in the NCAA Division 1-AA playoffs twice but never advanced past the first round.

The school's associate athletic director, Doug Ray, has been named acting athletic director during the transition period.

``We feel it's time to seek new leadership in our athletic program at UNT,'' Chancellor Al Hurley said in a prepared statement.

Nelson said he not surprised by the decision.

``I can live with it,'' he said. ``I don't think the athletic council thought it was a good idea for the football coach to be athletic director.''