Mike Neu, the head football coach at Ball State, is fired

Muncie, Indiana – The football team at Ball State University is changing its leadership.

After nine years with the team, BSU alumnus Mike Neu has been relieved of his head coaching responsibilities, according to a news statement. BSU announced that another alumnus, offensive line coach Colin Johnson, will serve as the team’s temporary head coach for the final two games.

A nationwide search for a permanent head football coach will start right away, according to Ball State.

In a statement, BSU Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell stated, “Coach Neu has put his heart into the Ball State football program.” “I applaud his professionalism and the productive team environment he has established. Hundreds of young guys have benefited significantly from his efforts. He has been a classy and honest representative of the Ball State brand, and I hope he succeeds in his future endeavors.

According to Ball State, Neu has a 40-63 career record. He participated in 158 games overall with the university, 44 as a quarterback, 11 as a graduate assistant, and 103 as head coach.

In 1993, Neu was a member of the Cardinals’ Las Vegas Bowl and MAC Championship teams.

He then worked as the New Orleans Saints’ quarterbacks coach. In 2020, Neu led Ball State to both an Arizona Bowl triumph and a MAC championship. In 2004, he was admitted to the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame.