Gardner-Webb University announced on Thursday it will not retain the services of Steve Patton as head football coach.

Patton, 56, served as head coach of the Runnin’ Bulldogs for 14 seasons.

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“This was a difficult decision. Steve has been with us for 14 years, and has been a positive piece of a successful transition for our football program to the Division I level,” said Gardner-Webb vice president for athletics Chuck Burch. “His impact on Gardner-Webb University and the community has been significant, but as our program moves forward, we felt a change was necessary.”

Patton’s squad finished the 2010 season with a 4-7 record (2-4 Big South). The Oneonta, Ala., native posted an 87-66 record in 14 seasons at Gardner-Webb, forging a 51-25 mark from 1997-2003. Included in that win total were Big South Conference championships and league Coach of the Year honors in 2002 and 2003.

Patton won 117 games in 19 seasons overall as a college head coach, which also included stops at Mars Hill and North Greenville. He was the seventh head coach in Gardner-Webb’s senior college football history.

By Gardner-Webb University Athletics