STARKVILLE — Mark Ouimet resigned Tuesday from his position as assistant recruiting coordinator of the Mississippi State football team.
Ouimet, whose resignation is effective immediately, was in the middle of his second season at MSU. He spent the past 10 years in Ann Arbor, Mich., working in football in several capacities.
In an interview with The Dispatch on Tuesday, Ouimet said his resignation was based upon a health situation involving his 6-year-old son.
“My son has a lot of issues I’m working through with my wife and at this time it’s best for me and my family to go home,” Ouimet said.
MSU Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin confirmed Ouimet’s decision Tuesday afternoon, and said a search to find a replacement would begin immediately.
“He indicated family reasons he thought what was best for him was to resign at this time,” Stricklin said. “We respect that decision.”
Ouimet’s wife and 6-year-old son have lived in the Ann Arbor area since he took the job at MSU on April 19, 2010. Ouimet’s responsibilities at MSU included coordinating the contacts among prospects, high school coaches, and families with the Bulldogs coaching staff.
Tony Hughes is MSU’s primary recruiting coordinator. He also is defensive backs coach.
“Mark did an unbelievable job for us, but it’s a tough situation for him,” MSU coach Dan Mullen said. “I have a young son, so I can really empathize with his situation. I don’t like not seeing my son until Thursday night during the week, and to be away from him for two years is a hard deal.”
Ouimet, 30, was arrested by university police at 1:49 a.m. Sept. 24 before MSU’s 26-20 overtime home win against Louisiana Tech and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and obstruction of traffic. Ouimet was released shortly after 4 a.m. on $954 bond. Ouimet’s initial court appearance regarding both charges will be Nov. 1 in Oktibbeha County Court, at which time a trial date will be set.
The Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office provided The Dispatch with notice of Ouimet’s arrest last week. Ouimet denied the recent arrest was the primary reason for his announcement.
“We had been aware of that situation, and I wouldn’t be able to speculate what impact that had on his decision to resign,” Stricklin said.
A misdemeanor charge for a first-time DUI offense Ouimet is facing carries a maximum penalty of two days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a one-year suspension of his driver’s license.
Ouimet worked for four years with the University of Michigan football staff as an assistant recruiting coordinator, special teams assistant, and coordinator of player development.
“I do want to say Mississippi State University and the athletics department have been fully supportive of me throughout this whole process and my entire time there,” Ouimet said.
When asked about inquiries for future employment at other programs,
Ouimet said that “would take care of itself,” but wouldn’t confirm he has started that process.
“I’m sure that just like when Dan called me, somebody else will call me,” Ouimet said. “It might be Dan, who knows?”
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