Kirkland resigns as NMHU football coach

LAS VEGAS, N.M. --- New Mexico Highlands football coach Josh Kirkland is resigning from his position to take a similar position in Oklahoma.

Kirkland completed his second season with the Cowboys, guiding NMHU to a 5-6 mark in 2021, the most wins for the program since 2012.

"We appreciate the effort and time Josh put into the Cowboy football program these two years," NMHU Director of Athletics Andrew Ehling said. "He brought Highlands back into the conversation in the RMAC. We wish him and his family the best at their next destination." 

NMHU associate head coach Ron Hudson will take over as the interim head coach for the Cowboys.

Kirkland came to NMHU in February 2020, but the 2020 season was canceled due to the pandemic. The Cowboys did play one game in the spring of 2021 - beating Fort Lewis 62-26 in Las Vegas.

Overall, Kirkland finishes with a 6-6 record as NMHU head coach. He guided NMHU to its first win over Western New Mexico since 2015 - bringing the Warrior's Helmet trophy back to the Cowboys.