Big news out of the Ohio Valley Conference as Austin Peay coach Mark Hudspeth has resigned. Austin Peay is scheduled to begin fall camp on July 31.

Interestingly, the news was announced on Friday evening leading up to the Fourth of July. Talk about a timed news dump.

This news is surprising considering Hudspeth spent only one season at Austin Peay and led the program to 11 wins, a share of the Ohio Valley Conference title, and a postseason berth in 2019. Keep in mind, Austin Peay had never won 11 games in a single season or reached the postseason in program history.

“This was not an easy decision, but a very personal one,” Hudspeth said in a released statement. “I need to take some time away from the game with Tyla and the kids. I could not be more thankful for my time at Austin Peay and will be a fan forever. I will miss the players and coaches incredibly and will never forget their commitment to each other and this team. I will return to coaching in the future at the right time.”

Prior to landing the head coaching job at Austin Peay, Hudspeth served as an assistant coach on Joe Moorhead’s Mississippi State staff. Hudspeth also previously served as head coach at Louisiana–Lafayette and North Alabama.

Austin Peay AD Gerald Harrison offered up this comment following news of Hudspeth’s resignation.

“First, I want to thank Mark for his work in moving Governors football to new heights,” said Harrison. “His dedication to Governors football has laid the foundation for our football program to reach even greater success. We’ll get to work immediately determining our next steps to build on the momentum Mark built.”