MT parts ways with DC Nix and WR's coach McCorvey

There will be two new faces coming to the Blue Raider football staff next season.

Middle Tennessee's athletic department announced Wednesday that defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix and wide receivers coach Kez McCorvey were both relieved of their duties, effective immediately.

The athletic department went on to say that the replacement search for both positions is to begin immediately as well.

In a statement, head coach Rick Stockstill said:

"I am very appreciative to Tyrone and his family for everything they have contributed to our football program, this University and the entire community. I am also grateful to Kez and his family for the time and effort spent on helping make our program better. I want to wish them both the best in their future coaching endeavors."

Nix's departure comes after having completed his fifth season as the defensive coordinator for the Blue Raiders. He also served as the linebacker coach.

MT's defense ranked 94th in the nation in total defense this season, giving up an average of 449 yards per game. The Blue Raiders also ranked 109th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 35.8 points per game.

Nix was earning a conference-best $303,000 annual salary, plus bonuses, while McCorvey earned $80,000 a year, plus bonuses.

Both coaches will continue to earn their base salaries through the duration of their original term lengths. However, according to the DNJ's Aldo Amato, if either find work before June, the Blue Raiders will cover the difference of any new deal, should the dollar amount not match what they were making at MT. If either coach finds work in which the salaries exceed what they were making at MT, the university will no longer compensate them.

McCorvey's departure comes after the wide receivers coach completed just his first year on the staff.

Whereas Nix's unit failed to live up to many expectations, the wide receiver corps for the Blue Raiders played exceptionally well during the 2016 campaign, despite suffering major setbacks on the injury front.

The Blue Raiders ranked 8th nationally in passing offense, hauling in 325.8 yards per game through the air. The receivers also accounted for 39 of the Blue Raiders 65 offensive touchdowns.

***For more on these departures, and an upcoming Hot Board to dive into the possible replacement candidates, keep it locked here to GoMiddle.com.***