University of Kansas fires coach Charlie Weis

Kansas fired coach Charlie Weis a day after the Jayhawks were shut out by Texas on Saturday.

Athletic director Sheahon Zenger announced the firing Sunday morning in a statement.

“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. 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 was in his third season as the Jayhawks’ coach. He finished 6-22 overall and 1-18 against Big 12 opponents. Kansas is 2-2 this season. Kansas lost to Texas 23-0 on Saturday.

Weis originally signed a five-year deal. According to the Lawrence Journal-World, the school owes him $7 million.

“As we continue to elevate the national stature of the University of Kansas, our pursuit of excellence extends beyond our research and instructional missions,” Kansas chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little said in the announcement. “KU alumni, students, fans and supporters expect that Kansas Football will match the other areas in which we excel as a university. After consulting with Dr. Zenger, I am in agreement that it is time for new leadership of our football program.”

Defensive coordinator Clint Bowen was named interim coach.

Before coming to Kansas, Weis was 35-27 in five seasons as Notre Dame’s coach. He also spent one season as Florida’s offensive coordinator. Weis was offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs for one year and spent several other seasons as an assistant in the NFL, most notably with the New England Patriots.

Kansas will pay Weis $5.625 in buyout money between now and December 31, 2016. According to USA Today, Weis will be paid about $2.5 million per year by Kansas per the buyout terms of his contract.

Weis is also still being paid by Notre Dame. That school paid Weis $2.1 million in 2012 and it is expected to pay the same amount through the end of his contract buyout at the end of 2015.

Combined, Weis will be paid about $4.6 million per year through 2015 by schools that fired him.

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