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Bears want new football coach in two weeks, says Missouri State President Clif Smart

Despite comments from fans around the Missouri State football program, the exit of head coach Dave Steckel wasn't just about the money.

"Money is a factor but it isn't the factor," said Kyle Moats, Director of Athletics.

Moats and Missouri State University President Clif Smart on Monday defended the hiring of Steckel and his performance in five years at the helm.

"I don't know a single person who wasn't excited about that hire and the potential of Bears football," Smart said during a news conference. "In a lot of ways, Stec was successful why he was here.