PINE BLUFF — Arkansas-Pine Bluff did not search long or far for its new head football coach.

Former NFL star Monte Coleman was named UAPB coach Monday, replacing Mo Forte in an abrupt change coming less than 48 hours after the Golden Lions completed a 4-7 season.

Forte, 58, was 21-22 in four seasons and led the Golden Lions to their first Southwestern Athletic Conference West Division title in 2006 with an 8-3 regular-season record. UAPB lost to Alabama A&M 22-13 in the SWAC title game.

Coleman played 16 seasons for the Washington Redskins and has been linebackers coach and defensive coordinator at UAPB for five seasons. His hiring was announced at a news conference at Golden Lion Stadium.

Coleman, 50, is a Pine Bluff native who played college ball at Central Arkansas. He was the first UCA player to be drafted into the NFL, where he started at linebacker and earned three Super Bowl rings.

Coleman is expected to sign a five-year contract, but salary and other compensations are still being negotiated.

“This ranks right up there with winning the Super Bowl,” Coleman said. “This is my home city, and I couldn’t be prouder. I’m ambitious and very excited.” The Golden Lions were the preseason pick to repeat as division champions but got off to a 1-7 start before closing the season with a three-game winning streak.

Forte expressed regret with the timing of his termination when reached on his cell phone on Monday. He had one year remaining on his contract but will be paid the $ 120, 000 balance.

“When I asked why I was being fired, I didn’t get an answer,” Forte said. “When someone can’t identify the reason why they’re firing you, there’s a problem.

“ I had a commitment to be at this university for five years. I did what I said I was going to do, which was to win a championship and fill the stands. The championship came earlier than was expected, which raised expectation levels.

“ I knew there would be some problems this year because we had an entirely new offensive line, but they got better as the season progressed and we won our last three games. The 2008 season was the one that we were all pointing to with the talent we have coming back. I feel bad for the kids because they committed to me and they worked their hearts out for me.” UAPB Athletic Director Skip Perkins said Forte’s firing had little to do with the team’s record this season.

“The biggest factor was thinking about the future of this football program,” Perkins said. “It wasn’t a game or an incident or anything of that nature. Chancellor [Lawrence ] Davis and I talked long and hard and we decided we needed to move in a different direction and the decision had to be made soon because of recruiting.

“ The one thing that I liked about Monte is his discipline, which is key to winning championships. That’s not a knock against Mo Forte, but discipline, responsibility and accountability are Monte’s strengths.” Coleman was the runner-up to Forte when the job opened in 2004 following Lee Hardman’s firing. Forte was hired by then-Athletic Director Craig Curry, who was terminated last spring.

“I think it was a good thing that they hired Coach Forte [in 2004 ],” Coleman said “I learned a whole lot from him, and my tenure under him was needed. This is a bittersweet day because he is a friend, and he’ll always be a friend.” Players who attended the news conference echoed Coleman’s sentiments.

“We were all a little sad when we heard Coach Forte was leaving but were happy when we heard Coach Coleman got the job,” said junior defensive end Ledarius Anthony, who finished second in the SWAC in sacks with 8. 5 despite missing two games with a broken hand. “We look up to Coach Coleman because we like him and we like being under his guidance. With everybody we have coming back, I can see us being undefeated.” Junior linebacker Tim Turner, who was second in the SWAC in total tackles with 122, agreed.

“I feel bad for Coach Forte, but I’m excited, too,” Turner said. “Coach Coleman has been my coordinator, and I know what he can do. He’s our spiritual leader and a great coach.”