Sports News Southwest

Yuma, Arizona - Arizona Western College has announced that James Pryor has decided that he will step down as the Matadors’ Head Football Coach immediately, but will continue working on community-related athletic department projects and will continue to teach his current classes until his current contract expires this summer. 

Pryor’s announcement ends his 37-month tenure as the head coach of the AWC Football program, and his five-plus years with the program overall. Pryor was hired by then-AWC Head Football Coach Bob O’Mera in January of 2003 as the Matadors’ Offensive Line Coach. Pryor worked with the Matadors’ offensive lineman and tight ends for two years before moving up to the top job in March of 2005, three months after O’Mera’s resignation. “This is a tough decision for me today, but I feel it’s in the best interest of the football program to step down at this time,” said Pryor. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity I’ve been given, and I’ve enjoyed the time that I’ve spent here. I’m excited about the positive direction that the football program is taking, and I think we’re doing good things.”  Pryor departs the program with an 11-21 overall record in his three years. The Matadors were 2-8 in the 2007 season. “James has spent his entire time that he’s been at AWC giving the football program his full attention, and we really thank him for what he’s brought to the program,” remarked AWC Athletic Director Jerry Smith. “He has worked hard to get the football program involved in the community, and has made a positive influence on them academically as well.” Pryor will continue to work on existing community-related projects for the athletic department.

Jerry Dominguez, who has been the Matadors’ defensive coordinator for the last three seasons, will continue in that capacity, and will take over the interim head coaching duties to coordinate recruiting and maintain communication with the football student-athletes. A national search for a permanent head coach will begin immediately.

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