By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports

MONROE — When new ULM president Dr. Carrie Castille said Monday that she would move quickly to replace departed athletic director John Hartwell, she obviously already had her plan set

Tuesday Castille named head football coach Bryant Vincent as interim AD, and said a national search would be staged to find Hartwell’s permanent successor.

Hartwell’s “resignation,” effective immediately, was announced Monday by the university in a terse four-paragraph release, including two paragraphs that were comments by Hartwell and Castille.

Tuesday’s announcement was only five paragraphs but had a decidedly different tone.

“I am grateful to Bryant for stepping up to serve as interim AD. Not only is Bryant a leader, but he builds teams and communities,” said Castille, who took over ULM’s presidency in May and has made a series of top-level administrative personnel moves since. “Bryant has the support of the associate ADs and will be working closely with them to ensure he can serve both roles and win games.

“He has already gained the support of this community as a head coach, and I hope that everyone will join me in rallying around him to support ULM Athletics. I have no doubt in Bryant’s ability to serve in both roles with excellence and a winning spirit.” 

Vincent was hired by Hartwell in December 2023. The Warhawks posted a 5-7 record in his first season last fall, starting 5-1, the program’s best start to a season since 1987.

Vincent has earned a reputation as a highly-effective fundraiser along with his coaching acumen in his short time in Monroe. He also negotiated a raise after the season when the former UAB defensive coordinator emerged as a candidate to take the Jacksonville (Ala.) State job that opened when Rich Rodriguez was hired at West Virginia.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com