The first coach firing of the 2014 college football season is here, as Charlie Weis has been fired by Kansas just four games into the season, the school announced Sunday.
Weis posted a 6-22 career record with the Jayhawks, including a 1-18 record in Big 12 play. Hired in 2012 to replace Turner Gill, Weis was never able to take Kansas out of the conference cellar. The Jayhawks posted wins over Southeast Missouri State and Central Michigan this season, but blowout losses to Duke and Texas sealed his fate.
Our KU site
Our KU site
Defensive coordinator Clint Bowen, a star defensive back for the Jayhawks in the early 1990s, will serve as the team's interim head coach.
The full statement, from athletic director Sheahon Zenger:
"I normally do not favor changing coaches mid-season," Zenger said. "But I believe we have talented coaches and players in this program, and I think this decision gives our players the best chance to begin making progress right away.
"I appreciate what Coach Weis did with several facets of our football program," Zenger continued. "But we have not made the on-the-field progress we believe we should. I believe new leadership gives our coaches and players the best chance to make a fresh start."
Weis first gained acclaim as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, posting successful stints with the Patriots and the Jets. He was hired as Notre Dame's head coach prior to the 2005 season, but was fired in 2009 after the Irish missed their second bowl game in three years. Due to unfulfilled contracts, Weis is now being paid by two programs to not coach:
Estimated $19 million from Notre Dame, $7 million plus more from KU ... for not working. Charlie Weis remains my hero.
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) September 28, 2014
It was already a tumultuous season for Weis and Kansas off the field. In August, Bruce Feldman reported rumors that Weis had been falling asleep in team meetings. In September, Kansas football's Twitter account favorited a tweet calling for the coach's dismissal.
Weis's last game was a hopeless 23-0 shutout loss to the Longhorns.
(the final whistle blows in the Texas-Kansas game) CHARLIE WEIS: Great game, good luck the re- CHARLIE STRONG: I’ve kicked you off the team.
— Ryan Nanni (@celebrityhottub) September 28, 2014