GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Colorado Mesa University athletic department officials and head football coach Russ Martin have mutually agreed to part ways the school announced today (Nov. 21).
 
Martin recently completed his eighth season on Saturday with a 51-13 win over New Mexico Highlands. During his tenure, he compiled a 56-33 record and won three Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships. He led the Mavericks to a NCAA Playoff appearance in 2016 where they lost to Texas A&M-Commerce 34-23.
 
"We would like to thank Russ for his time and energy over the past eight seasons to help further the tradition of Maverick Football," Co-Director of Athletics Bryan Rooks said. "We wish him the best in the future."
 
Martin was named the 18^th head coach in program history on January 15, 2012 after spending the previous eight seasons at Nebraska-Kearney as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
 
"I want to thank President Foster and the administration for the opportunity to serve as the head football coach at Colorado Mesa," Martin said. "I believe we have built something special here and that great days lie ahead for the program."
 
Colorado Mesa will begin a national search for a new coach immediately.