Missouri State and head football coach Dave Steckel have reached a separation agreement, the school announced Thursday.
According to the separation agreement, Steckel will receive a maximum buyout of $340,000, along with moving expenses, while stepping down from his position after five seasons.
Steckel compiled a 13-42 record, marking the worst win percentage (.236) by a coach in school history (minimum 32 games). The Bears went 1-10 in 2019, matching the 2015 mark, Steckel’s first season with the team. Among Missouri Valley Conference football coaches whose tenure was at least five seasons, his winning percentage is the worst in league history.
“We want to thank Stec for his hard work and dedication to Missouri State,” athletic director Kyle Moats said in a release. “He and I met after the holidays to discuss football-related matters, which ultimately led to this mutual agreement.”
Rewarded with an extension after the Bears finished 4-7 in 2016, Steckel will be paid the remaining two seasons of his contract. A privately funded buyout will come in three annual installments, including the first payment of $140,000. The next two installments in January 2021 and January 2022 will each be $100,000, depending on Steckel’s job status as a coach elsewhere.
The school announced a national search for a new coach will begin immediately.