Report: FIU hires Memphis defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre as next head coach

The Florida International University (FIU) football program is turning the page on the Butch Davis era and moving on from a 2021 campaign in which they went 1-11.

Per ESPN senior writer Adam Rittenberg, the Panthers have hired Memphis defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre to be their next head coach. MacIntyre spent time at the helm of the San Jose State football team from 2010 through 2012 and the University of Colorado from 2013 through 2018 before landing with the Tigers.

The 56-year-old holds a 46-65 career mark as a head coach and has made one bowl game appearance, losing the 2016 Alamo Bowl when he was with the Buffaloes. Colorado went 10-4 that season and MacIntyre earned numerous honors, including the AP Coach of the Year award and the Pac-12 Coach of the Year award.

Through its 18-year history, FIU has compiled a 73-138 record, while earning one conference championship and a 2-3 mark in bowl games.

According to Rittenberg, the Panthers also "strongly considered" Florida A&M coach Willie Simmons for the gig, as well as North Carolina special teams coordinator/outside linebackers coach Jovan Dewhitt, UCF co-offensive coordinator Tim Harris and Appalachian State offensive coordinator Frank Ponce.