The decision to keep Gary Goff as the head football coach had nothing to do with finances according to McNeese State Athletic Director Heath Schroyer.

The two met Monday just hours after the Cowboys finished a season that saw them finish just 1-10.

Tuesday Schroyer wanted to clear up any doubts about his reasons to retaining Goff.

“Contrary to some media reports, my decision to bring Coach Goff next year had nothing to do with a buyout or money,” Schroyer told the American Press.

Goff has two years remaining on his original deal with a possibility of an additional third year rolled over.

“I brought Coach back because I believe in him as a football coach,” Schroyer continued. “However, as I’ve stated before the results on the field are simply unacceptable for McNeese football. Period.

“Coach and I had a very productive meeting (Monday) and Coach knows and fully understands my expectations for this program moving forward.”

Goff is the fourth McNeese coach in the last seven seasons and will be the first of the last three to coach a third year with the Cowboys.

Sterlin Gilbert left after one season to be the offensive coordinator at Syracuse and Frank Wilson went back to LSU after two.

Goff said Monday he understands the expectations and is ready to do what is necessary to rebuild the program.

“Still have a job to do,” Goff said. “We had a good meeting today (Monday) and definitely there are going to have to be some changes made. I understand and accept expectations here.

“I am confident we can do it here. I’m really looking forward to working with these kids.”

McNeese was forced to use a bevy of young players this season as both injuries and defections left the Cowboys short on experienced players.

“It was exciting to see how some of the young kids came along,” Goff said. “We will not always be young and we can’t use that as an excuse, but I think we will benefit from all the time these players were forced to play.”

McNeese will be trying to break a streak of four straight losing seasons next fall.

“We knew it would be a tough job when we took it,” said Goff. “We will continue to work hard in the offseason and through recruiting to get this program back where it belongs.”

One of the big pieces for the Cowboys to try to hang onto is sophomore linebacker Micah Davey. Tuesday Davey was named one of the 30 finalists for the 2023 Buck Buchanan Award.

The Award is given top defensive player in the nation on the Football Championship Subdivision level. Davey leads the FCS in three categories, including total tackles.

Despite having a game canceled, Davey has recorded 153 total tackles on the season. He also leads in solo tackles per game at 8.3 and tackles per game with 15.3, which is a new McNeese record.

Goff has called the re-recruiting of Davey a “top priority” this offseason.