Liberty Hires Fired New Mexico Coach

The Flames went 14-17 this season

March 26, 2007


LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) - Former New Mexico coach Ritchie McKay will be the new head basketball coach at Liberty University.

The 41-year-old McKay compiled an 82-69 record in five seasons before he was fired last month. He led the team to a Mountain West Conference championship in 2005. The Lobos have had two losing seasons since then, going 15-17 this year.

McKay replaces Randy Dunton, whose contract was not renewed. He compiled a 66-85 record at Liberty after taking over the program in 2002. The Flames were 14-17 this year, 8-6 in Big South Conference games.

Liberty athletics director Jeff Barber said Monday that officials at the evangelical Christian university were impressed by McKay's credentials. McKay previously was head coach at Portland State, Colorado State and Oregon State.

"He brings with him a wealth of experience that will allow our basketball program to move to the highest level," Barber said.

Terms of McKay's contract were not released.