CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Newly obtained documents show that former Austin Peay State University head football coach Mark Hudspeth was forced to resign by university officials due to a breach in contract.

According to documents obtained by Clarksville Now through a public records request, Hudspeth would have been fired if he had not resigned.

“This was not an easy decision, but a very personal one,” Hudspeth said in his resignation letter. “I need to take some time away from the game with Tyla and the kids. I could not be more thankful for my time at Austin Peay and will be a fan forever. I will miss the players and coaches incredibly and will never forget their commitment to each other and this team. I will return to coaching in the future at the right time.”

But it wasn’t as simple as taking time away from the game. Austin Peay Athletic Director Gerald Harrison sought to fire Hudspeth if the former coach didn’t step down.

“Here are the two potential releases,” Harrison said in an email. “If Coach Hudspeth decides to resign, we would use the first one. If he decides the termination for cause, we will use the second.”

In another email, Harrison hints at the nature of what Hudspeth did wrong. A draft news release was circulated for approval, and one version included this: “… I’m confident in the leadership structure in place surrounding our program and the foundation of leadership Coach Hudspeth instilled in the players …”

While discussing the wording with a fellow athletics member, Harrison said, “I like the direction. Based on the circumstances, I would not reflect on what he may have instilled in the players. Also use ‘student athletes’ instead of ‘players.'”

When reached by Clarksville Now, Harrison declined to comment on either email exchange.

Hudspeth did not return a phone call seeking comment.

The suspension and the contract

Hudspeth was in the midst of serving a 20-day suspension for unacceptable conduct and violations of employment agreement when he resigned.

According to Section 10.1.2 of Hudspeth’s contract, termination could be made “if the athletic director determines in his reasonable discretion that coach Hudspeth has willfully engaged in conduct that is clearly contrary to the character and responsibilities of a person occupying the position of head football coach and which negatively or adversely affects the reputation of the university or its athletic programs in any material way.”

Section 10.1.8 states that, “egregious personal conduct that is reasonably determined by the athletic director or president to negatively, adversely and materially affect the reputation or operation of the APSU athletics program” could result in termination.

University officials have never explained specifically what Hudspeth did that led to the suspension.

Other notable resignations

Hudspeth was not the only Austin Peay football staff member to resign from his coaching position during that time.

Former Austin Peay offensive line coach Edward “Eddy” Morrissey left the program six days prior to Hudpeth’s suspension, while former running backs coach Craig Candeto submitted his resignation letter a week after Hudspeth’s exit.

Neither has returned phone calls to discuss their reason for resigning.