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ASU Chancellor Peacock Releases Statement Regarding AD Cobb’s Decision to Seek New Football Head Coach

Chancellor Kenneth Peacock

Dec. 6, 2012. In light of recent coverage of Appalachian State University’s announcement that 2012 would be Coach Jerry Moore’s last season after 24 years as the university’s head football coach, Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock commented on the university’s decision to seek new leadership for the football program.

“My support of Appalachian State University Athletics Director Charlie Cobb remains ardent, and I appreciate the professionalism and integrity with which he leads our athletics program. A year ago Mr. Cobb presented Coach Moore with a written communication telling him it was time to end his coaching career at Appalachian and offered him a three-year commitment in a different role at a six-figure salary.

“In a subsequent memo to me dated December 31, 2011, Mr. Cobb indicated Coach Moore declined the offer and instead requested a final year as head coach for the 2012 season. Mr. Cobb recommended we honor Coach Moore’s request, and I accepted his recommendation. In a routine update with then Board of Trustees Chair G.A. Sywassink, I reported this decision.

Jerry Moore won 215 games in his 24 seasons at Appalachian State and is the 15th-winningest coach in NCAA Division I football history. Photo courtesy of Meghan Gay and Appalachian Sports Information

“Additional confirmation that Coach Moore was aware of this decision in advance of last Sunday was relayed to me by Trustee Brad Adcock, a close personal friend of Coach Moore and long-time supporter of the program and Appalachian. Mr. Adcock said he spoke to Coach Moore this past July out of admiration and a desire to appropriately recognize him in his retirement. Coach Moore asked him when he should announce his retirement—at the start or conclusion of the 2012 season. Mr. Adcock deferred to the university’s administration.

“While I have great respect for Coach Moore’s accomplishments, I fully support Mr. Cobb’s decision and leadership of our athletics program.”