Mumme's arrival in Las Cruces four years ago coincided with New Mexico State's entry into the WAC. And while Mumme is respected for his wide-open "Air Raid" offense, his teams were just 4-28 in conference games.

New Mexico State hasn't reached the postseason since the 1960 Sun Bowl, currently the nation's longest skid without a bowl game.

"Probably the most consistent message I've been hearing from the community is that we don't want to rebuild," Boston said. "We don't want to start over again. We've been starting over since 1960."

Boston said he feels the Aggies made strides under Mumme and the program has improved with better facilities. He thanked Mumme and his wife, June, for introducing Las Cruces to breast cancer awareness initiatives.

Ultimately, Boston said a change was needed to move things forward.

"This team could have been 8-4 or 7-5," Boston said. "We were very, very competitive. The cupboard isn't bare. But at some point it is performance. You have to be able to win. You have to be able to sell the business side of it."