Over the weekend, Winston-Salem State (D-II - NC) announced their decision to part ways with head coach Kienus Boulware after five seasons leading the program.
WSSU shared the following on the decision via the Winston Salem Journal:
"Winston-Salem State University has provided head football coach Kienus Boulware with a notice of its intent to dismiss him from employment for cause. Mr. Boulware has the right to appeal his dismissal within 30 days; per university policy he has been suspended with pay pending the exhaustion of his right to file an appeal."
Rumors about Boulware's future with the program began to pick up some steam about mid-week last week.
Over the course of five seasons, Boulware compiled a 35-18 record and captured back-to-back wins in the CIAA title game in 2014 and 2015. After winning that second conference title in 2015, Boulware was awarded a three-year extension, so he had two years remaining on his deal.
Prior to taking over as head coach, Boulware led the WSSU defense as the team's defensive coordinator during a really successful time in the program's history.
The past two seasons, Boulware led the program to a combined record of 11-8, going 5-4 in 2018, and 6-4 in 2017.
Making the decision so late in the off season will limit some of their options, but with the recent success the program had, there is bound to still be a healthy amount of interest in this opening.
Boulware did share in a statement through his lawyer that he plans to appeal the decision, and while he respects the administration, he "strongly disagrees" with the termination. He had two years remaining on his contract and made about $130,000 in base pay annually.
Defensive backs coach / special teams coordinator Robert Massey, who joined the staff in 2016, has been named the interim head coach.
Head here to read the full piece on the move.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.