In a surprising turn of events, Florida International University (FIU) has announced the dismissal of head football coach Mike MacIntyre after three seasons at the helm. The decision comes on the heels of three consecutive 4-8 campaigns, with the program showing little signs of improvement under MacIntyre’s leadership.
A Tenure Marred by Mediocrity
When Mike MacIntyre was hired by FIU in 2022, hopes were high that the former AP Coach of the Year could orchestrate a turnaround for the struggling program. However, despite inheriting a team coming off a winless 2020 season and a 1-11 record in 2021, MacIntyre failed to make significant strides in the win column.
Over his three years with the Panthers, MacIntyre compiled an overall record of 12-24, with a dismal 6-18 mark in Conference USA play. The team’s best finish under his watch was a tie for fifth place in the C-USA East Division, a far cry from the success FIU had hoped for when they brought the seasoned coach on board.
Glimpses of Progress, But Not Enough
Despite the lack of wins, FIU Athletic Director Scott Carr acknowledged that MacIntyre had made some improvements to the program during his tenure. The team posted its highest-ever GPA, and there were notable enhancements to the program’s operations and budget.
“Coach Mac inherited a challenging situation three years ago, but he improved numerous areas within the program – from posting our highest-ever GPA to bettering the operations and budgets – and the culture shift has been evident,” Carr stated in a press release.
– FIU Athletic Director Scott Carr
However, Carr ultimately decided that the on-field results simply weren’t up to par. “This was a decision based solely off on-field results, and at this time I felt our program needed to go in a different direction,” he explained.
MacIntyre’s Past Success and Future Buyout
Prior to his stint at FIU, Mike MacIntyre had garnered national attention for orchestrating remarkable turnarounds at both San Jose State and Colorado. His efforts at Colorado even earned him the AP Coach of the Year award in 2016. However, he was unable to replicate that success in Miami.
Following a 4-8 campaign in his debut season, FIU had rewarded MacIntyre with a one-year contract extension through 2027. The coach was earning an annual salary of $750,000, and according to sources close to the situation, he is expected to receive a buyout of approximately $1.1 million.
A Program Yearning for Stability and Success
The FIU football program has long struggled to find consistency and success. In its 21-year history, the team has finished with a losing record in 17 seasons. The Panthers have enjoyed brief periods of success under coaches like Mario Cristobal (now at Miami) and Butch Davis, but sustained achievement has proven elusive.
As the search for a new head coach begins, FIU fans are left to wonder if the next hire will finally be the one to lead the program to the heights they’ve long dreamed of. With in-state openings at FAU and UCF as well, competition for top coaching talent will be fierce.
“You can’t control your circumstances. You always have to get up and keep moving and that’s what these kids did. I’m so proud of that, about how they kept doing that. And I feel bad that I wasn’t able to get them to a bowl game this year,” MacIntyre reflected after FIU’s season-ending win over Middle Tennessee.
– Former FIU Head Coach Mike MacIntyre
For now, defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt will serve as the interim head coach while the Panthers conduct their search. As FIU looks to the future, the program and its fans can only hope that the next chapter will bring the wins and stability they’ve so desperately craved.
