When Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy announced last week that he’d step down as the head of the program, his original plan was to remain with the team through the end of the regular season.

However, after a loss to Mississippi State on Saturday night, Kennedy’s plans have changed.

According to a release from Ole Miss on Sunday afternoon, Kennedy will step away, effective immediately, and assistant Tony Madlock will take over as the interim coach:

https://twitter.com/OleMissMBB/status/965337088244748288

In a release from the school, Kennedy said he felt his presence around the team was having a negative effect on the players:

It has become readily apparent to me that my continued presence as the head coach is proving detrimental to these players finishing the season in a fashion that is representative of The Standard for this program that has been clearly established and maintained for over a decade; therefore, I believe that it is in everyone’s best interest that I exit my role as head coach effective immediately. We all know that “clean breaks” are always best, and I should have realized this last Monday. My apologies.

Kennedy leaves as the Rebels’ all-time winningest coach, but this year has been a rough one for the Rebels.