In a move that sends shockwaves through the Mid-American Conference, sources have confirmed that Ball State University has fired head football coach Mike Neu after the Cardinals suffered their fourth consecutive losing season. The decision marks the end of Neu’s nine-year tenure at his alma mater, a stint that included a MAC championship in 2020 but was ultimately marred by inconsistency and declining results.
A Roller Coaster Ride in Muncie
Mike Neu’s time at the helm of the Ball State football program can best be described as a tale of highs and lows. The former Cardinals quarterback, who played under the legendary Paul Schudel in the early 1990s, returned to Muncie in 2016 with hopes of elevating his beloved program to new heights. However, success proved elusive for much of Neu’s tenure.
Despite a few bright spots, including a thrilling Arizona Bowl victory over San Jose State to cap off a magical 7-1 campaign in 2020, Neu’s Cardinals struggled to find consistency. His overall record of 40-63 tells the story of a program that couldn’t quite turn the corner, even with a conference title under its belt.
The 2024 Season: The Final Straw
The 2024 season proved to be the breaking point for Neu and the Ball State administration. A gut-wrenching 51-48 overtime loss to Buffalo in Week 11 dropped the Cardinals to 3-7 overall and 2-4 in MAC play, effectively sealing Neu’s fate. According to sources close to the program, the coaching staff was informed of the decision early Saturday morning, just hours after the heartbreaking defeat.
“It’s always tough to make these decisions, especially with someone like Mike who has given so much to this university,” a source within the athletic department revealed. “But at the end of the day, the lack of consistent results left us with no choice. We have to do what’s best for the future of Ball State football.”
What’s Next for Ball State?
As the Cardinals prepare to close out the 2024 season with games against Bowling Green and Ohio, attention now turns to the search for Neu’s successor. Ball State will undoubtedly be looking for a coach who can bring stability and a winning culture to a program that has experienced its fair share of turbulence in recent years.
While no names have been officially mentioned, insiders suggest that the university will cast a wide net in its search, considering candidates with ties to the MAC as well as rising stars from other conferences. With the right hire, Ball State could quickly find itself back in contention for a conference crown and a return to the postseason spotlight.
A Bittersweet Ending
For Mike Neu, the firing marks a bittersweet end to his time at Ball State. As a beloved alumnus and former player, Neu’s passion for the program was never in question. However, the cutthroat nature of college football dictates that results must follow, and unfortunately for Neu, the wins simply didn’t come frequently enough.
As the Ball State community reflects on Neu’s legacy, there will undoubtedly be a mix of fondness for his accomplishments, particularly the magical 2020 season, and frustration over the program’s inability to build upon that success. Nonetheless, as the Cardinals turn the page and begin a new chapter, the hope is that brighter days lie ahead for football in Muncie.
