Updated: 1:05 p.m.

According to a source very close to the situation, Head Coach David Elson will not be retained as football coach at Western following this season. Elson will finish the season as head coach, however.

Elson released a statement just before 1 p.m. saying, “”I have had the privilege of coaching at this great university for 14 years, so obviously I am very disappointed and do not agree with this decision. We play a very good Louisiana-Monroe team this Saturday, and out of respect for our players, staff and entire program, this game and then our remaining two games is all we are going to focus on. Please respect the process of preparation that our coaches and players must go through in order to be successful this Saturday. Go Toppers!”

According to Associate Athletic Director of Communications Todd Stewart, there will be a press conference regarding Western football with Athletic Director Wood Selig and President Gary Ransdell at 1 p.m. in Diddle Arena.

Stewart also said that Elson will not be available on the Sun Belt Conference coaches’ teleconference today. 

Elson was 39-41 as head coach of the Toppers in seven seasons. The Toppers were 0-9 this season.

Check wkuherald.com throughout the day for more updates.