LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico State has dropped the interim tag for coach Doug Martin.

Athletic director McKinley Boston said Friday that Martin was selected after a committee interviewed four candidates. Boston said he got the job because he wanted to return to Las Cruces and had ``overwhelming support.''

Martin, who was offensive coordinator, was promoted to interim coach last week after DeWayne Walker stepped down to take a position with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Martin takes over a struggling program that has not appeared in a bowl game since 1960.