SENATOBIA – Brad LaPlante has been relieved of his duties as Northwest's head football coach, college officials announced Tuesday.

LaPlante and his staff were informed this morning by athletic director Cameron Blount that they would not be retained for next season.

"Everyone who's been around Northwest football knows that we have a rich tradition of winning and this season did not live up to our standards," president Dr. Gary Lee Spears said.

Northwest went 1-8 this season and finished tied for last in the north division, with its lone win coming over Coahoma, 38-23. It's just the Rangers' second losing season since 1981. 

A search for a new head coach will begin immediately.