UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Thursday, November 10, 1994
3B
Spartans' coach fired during poor season
By Harry Atkins The Associated Press
EAST LANSING, Mich. — George Perles always thought he would go out on his own terms. Still, it came as no surprise when Michigan State University fired him.
"To say this was a surprise, you would have to believe in the Easter Bunny," a tearful Perles said after being sacked Tuesday by university President Peter McPherson.
McPhrons, who has been unhappy with the Spartans' losing ways for a long time, said Perles would finish out this season. The leading candidates for his replacement include Bowling Green coach Gary Blackney and Colorado quarterback coach Rick Neuheimer.
Heading into Saturday's game against Purdue, Perles had a record of 72-61-4. But the Spartans have finished at 3-8, 5-6 and 6-6 over the past three seasons and are 4-5 this year.
"Obviously, I've been thinking about this for some time," McPherson said. "We decided to announce it now, so Spartan boosters can shower George with the honor he deserves the rest of the season."
Wagner's credibility has been called into question, and Perles has denied any wrongdoing. Still, the university has been obliged to investigate anyway.
McPherson reportedly was ready to fire Perles after the Spartans' 18-7 loss to Louisville in the Liberty Bowl last year. He was talked out of it by supporters who wanted to give the coach one more chance to go out a winner.
Then the Spartans, who suffered embarrassing losses to Central Michigan in 1991 and 1992, got off to a 2-5 start this season. McPherson was again ready to pull the plug after a 40-20 loss to Michigan, but again supporters asked him to hold off.
Perles, 59, who has three years remaining on his contract, was asked to resign. He refused. It will cost the university about $1.3 million to buy out his contract.
While McPherson was on a trip to Asia, former Michigan State player Roosevelt Wagner claimed some Spartan football players received cash and had grades fixed to meet eligibility requirements.
"Is this in the best interest of Michigan State? There's two sides to that," Perles said. "I have all of energy left and would still like to coach."
What lies ahead for Perles?
During his stay, the Spartans won a Big Ten Conference championship, tied for another and played in seven bowl games. His 1987 team won the Rose Bowl to finish 9-2-1.
He wouldn't discuss his future at the news conference. But he has made it clear recently that he would like to be an athletic director. He also would listen to other coaching offers.
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