JONESBORO, Ark. -- Arkansas State announced the dismissal of football coach Joe Hollis on Thursday during the closing minutes of the Indians' final game of a dismal season.

ASU finished 2-9 with the 28-22 loss Thanksgiving Day to Division I-AA opponent Nicholls State.

ASU President Les Wyatt issued a statement announcing Hollis' termination as both football coach and interim athletic director. The statement was released during the fourth quarter of the Nicholls State game.

"Arkansas State University is conducting its search for an athletic director. Joe Hollis has served in that position on an interim basis since March 2000. Once selected, the new athletic director will be asked to hire new head football coach. Joe Hollis will no longer have head coaching duties.

"ASU and coach Hollis will be working together to ensure a smooth transition within the administration of the athletic department," the statement concluded.

Hollis' teams at ASU were 13-43 during five seasons under his direction. The Indians have lost 19 of their last 22 games.

The interim was never removed from Hollis' title as athletic director after he assumed that position, but he was extended in that position for another year last summer. His football contract was to continue through the 2004 season.

Hollis, 54, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is scheduled to undergo surgery next month

"I'm going to be fine," Hollis said at his weekly news conference Monday.

Prior to the news conference ASU athletic media relations director Gina Bowman said Hollis would not answer questions regarding his health because he considers it a private, family matter.

In 2001, the Indians move into the new Sun Belt football conference with Louisiana-Lafayette, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico State, North Texas, Louisiana-Monroe and Idaho.

In August 2000, after a 4-7 season the year before, Hollis spoke of the problems of coaching at ASU.

"Football is going to always be a challenge at Arkansas State. But I think all sports are going to be a challenge at Arkansas State," he said. "That just means we've got to work our rear-ends off to be successful."

Hollis came to ASU in December 1996 after six seasons on the Ohio State's staff of coach John Cooper. For the last five years at Ohio State, he was offensive coordinator.

Prior to that, he spent six years as offensive line coach at Georgia. He also has been an assistant at Troy State, Auburn and Tulsa and the head coach at Jacksonville State.