Prairie View A&M University has announced that head football coach Bubba McDowell’s contract will not be renewed following a three-year tenure with the Panthers. The decision comes after a challenging season that concluded with a disappointing 5-7 record.
McDowell, 58 is former All-Pro safety in the NFL. He played for the Houston Oilers and the Carolina Panthers from 1989 to 1995. McDowell succeeded Eric Dooley as head of the PVAMU football program in 2022. Additionally, he was part of the University of Miami team that won the national championship in 1987. Under his leadership, the Panthers achieved back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference West Division titles. However, the recent downturn in performance is ultimately suspected to have led to the university’s decision.
Athletic Director Anton Goff expressed gratitude for McDowell’s contributions to the program, highlighting his dedication to mentoring student-athletes. “Coach McDowell’s commitment to helping our student-athletes succeed in life both personally and professionally is admirable and a true reflection of his character,” Goff said in a statement.
In light of the recent changes, Goff indicated that the university will initiate a national search for McDowell’s successor immediately. The goal is to find a candidate with the vision and leadership skills necessary to elevate the program within both SWAC and FCS football ranks.
As the Panthers begin this new chapter, assistant head coach Ashton Green will step in as interim head coach while the search for a permanent replacement unfolds.
