Moore to Decide Future of DuBose

Mal Moore, who has been a part of Alabama’s six national football championships as either a player or a coach, was hired Tuesday as athletic director.

Moore, 59, replaces Bob Bockrath, forced out in September after three years.

With an athletic director now in place, the focus turns to the status of Coach Mike DuBose, whose team is 9-2 and headed to the Southeastern Conference championship game after a season that started in a DuBose scandal.

“Our policy has been that we have always evaluated our coaching staff at the end of the season, and that will be forthcoming,” Moore said. “But I am very proud of Mike and the job he has done.”

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Oregon State Coach Dennis Erickson signed a contract extension through the 2004 season after leading the Beavers to their first winning season since 1970. . . . Austin Moherman, Ohio State’s backup quarterback, has been granted his request to be released from his scholarship so he can transfer. Moherman, from Capistrano Valley High in Mission Viejo, started the first two games of the season but played little after being replaced by Steve Bellisari. . . . Steve Tosches, who led Princeton to one outright Ivy League title and a share of two others in 13 seasons as coach, was fired, days after the Tigers’ first last-place finish in 23 years. . . . Wayne State Coach Barry Fagan was fired after the Warriors finished the season 0-11. . . . Florida State defensive lineman Corey Simon, Alabama offensive tackle Chris Samuels and Wisconsin offensive tackle Chris McIntosh were selected as Outland Trophy finalists. . . . Miami quarterback Kenny Kelly had the cast on his left leg removed Monday, but he will not play Saturday against Syracuse.