Kennedy steps down as Ole Miss coach

Ole Miss head coach Andy Kennedy has stepped down from his position, effective immediately, the school announced.

Assistant Tony Madlock will serve as acting head coach for the rest of the season in Kennedy's place.

Kennedy had previously announced Monday he would resign from his role at the end of the season, though in a statement provided to the school, the 49-year-old says his decision to immediately step down is due to an inability to "relieve any external pressure being felt by our current players."

"It has become readily apparent to me that my continued presence as the head coach is proving detrimental to these players finishing the season in a fashion that is representative of The Standard for this program that has been clearly established and maintained for over a decade; therefore, I believe that it is in everyone’s best interest that I exit my role as head coach effective immediately," Kennedy said. "We all know that 'clean breaks' are always best, and I should have realized this last Monday. My apologies."

The 49-year-old coached the Rebels for 12 seasons. He steps down as the winningest coach in Ole Miss history, managing the team to a combined 245-155 record.