University of North Texas Director of Athletics Rick Villarreal has announced that Todd Dodge has been relieved of his duties as head football coach effective immediately.  Offensive coordinator Mike Canales has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2010 season.  A national search for Dodge's replacement will begin immediately.             
"After a complete evaluation of the University of North Texas football program over the last three and one half years, I believe it is in the best interest of this university and this program to make a change in the leadership," Villarreal said.  "With support from UNT President Lane Rawlins I have informed Coach Dodge of my decision to take the program in a new direction."        
Dodge was in the fourth year of a five-year contract with UNT, where he has compiled a record of 6-37.  The Mean Green is currently 1-6 this season.  North Texas has a bye this week and plays next at Western Kentucky on Oct. 30.   
"Coach Dodge has done many good things for this program during his time and we appreciate the dedication he has shown," Villarreal said.  "However, the university and this department have made great commitments to the advancement of Mean Green Athletics on and off the field, and with that come higher expectations.  Unfortunately we have not met those expectations on the field under Coach Dodge." 
Dodge was hired in December of 2006 and went 2-10 in his first season (2007).  In his second year, he had a 1-11 record and followed that with a 2-10 record last season.