Head football coach Pete Shinnick announces resignation

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Athletics Department officials at the University of North Carolina Pembroke announced Friday, January 31, that Pete Shinnick has resigned his post as head football coach to take the same position at the University of West Florida.

Shinnick, who was responsible for building the football program at UNCP beginning in 2007, compiled a 50-24 (.676) record in seven seasons. The Black and Gold made a pair of playoff runs, including a second round appearance in 2013. The Braves also qualified for the postseason in 2010 after just three years.

Defensive coordinator Shane Richardson will serve as UNCP's interim head coach during the search for a permanent appointment.

"It has been a privilege to work with Pete Shinnick," said UNCP Director of Athletics Dick Christy. "He built the brand of Braves football and has positioned us in an outstanding way for the future. UNCP athletics would like to wish Pete’s wife, Traci, and the entire Shinnick family heartfelt congratulations on this new opportunity."

Shinnick reciprocated Christy's comments, while adding his gratitude to both former athletics director Dan Kenney and former Chancellor Allen Meadors, who brought him to Pembroke in 2005.

"After eight great years at UNCP, it's with excitement and sadness that I announce my resignation to build a new program at the University of West Florida," Shinnick said. "I want to give a special thanks to Dan Kenney and Allen Meadors for hiring me in 2005 and giving me this wonderful opportunity."

The Braves set a school record by winning each of its first six games of the 2013 campaign, including a come-from-behind 25-21 home victory over then-No. 5 Winston-Salem State in front of a national television audience on the CBS Sports Network. The winning streak was highlighted by a 45-22 road victory over UNC Charlotte – a first-year member of NCAA Division I's Football Championship Subdivision.

"First, I want to thank Pete for what he's created here and congratulate him on his new position," said UNCP Chancellor Kyle R. Carter. "This move advances his career and will provide greater security for himself and his family.  All that know Coach Shinnick understand he's special - a person who has a passion for winning, but who places integrity and life values above all else. We've been fortunate to have Pete as a part of the UNC Pembroke family since 2005, and West Florida is lucky to acquire his talents.

"Pete has laid a solid foundation for our future, and we are now challenged to build upon it. I am confident that Athletics Director Dick Christy, the coaches and players are up to the challenge."

UNCP athletics will employ a national search firm and an on-campus search committee that includes: Dr. Jeff Frederick, faculty athletics representative; Aaron Thomas, president, UNCP Alumni Association; Dr. Tommy Thompson, chair, Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department; Dr. Zoe Locklear, dean, School of Education; Othello "O.T." Johnson, wrestling Head Coach; and Mac Campbell, board member, UNCP Foundation.

A national search will begin immediately to identify a high character coach with a commitment to our department goal of Developing Successful Adults & providing a Championship Experience."

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