Howard Payne University today announced that Steve Fanara has been released as head coach of the Yellow Jacket football team. The university will pursue its options regarding the head coach position immediately.

Fanara, who joined the HPU football staff in 2005 as defensive coordinator and became head coach in 2008, led the Yellow Jackets to a 1-9 overall record this season.

“I appreciate the hard work and effort that Coach Fanara has given our football program over the last seven years,” said Mike Jones, HPU’s director of athletics. “He has been an asset to our department, as well as a close friend.”

Fanara has coached 18 different All-Conference players and had 17 different players named Academic All-Conference in his four seasons as head coach. In 2008, his team was named the American Southwest Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Sportsmanship Award winner for football.

“I am grateful to Coach Fanara and his family for the investment of time and energy into the HPU football program over the past seven years,” said Dr. Brent Marsh, vice president for student life and dean of students. “His many positive contributions have not gone unnoticed.”