Updated

UTEP coach Mike Price announced Monday that he will retire at the conclusion of this season.

Saturday's regular-season finale against Rice will be his final game on the sidelines.

Price has the second-most wins in UTEP history with 48 and is also the sixth- winningest active coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 177 victories.

"We can't thank Mike enough for all he has given our university and the El Paso community over the last nine years," UTEP president Dr. Diana Natalicio said. "Mike's contributions, however, extend far beyond increasing the national awareness and level of competitiveness in our football program. He has been a tremendous ambassador for UTEP and won over the entire city through his kind-heartedness, sincerity and sense of humor. We wish Mike the best as he begins a new chapter of his life."

Price has 177-182 record over 31 seasons as a coach with Weber State (1981-88), Washington State (1989-2002) and Utep (2004-present).

He has directed eight different teams to bowl games, including three with the Miners, and was named the 1997 National Coach of the Year.