LAWRENCE, Kansas (FoxKansas.com) One day after he was fired from his head coaching job at Kansas University, Turner Gill thanked his supporters and players for their effort over a two-year period that failed to generate huge successes.
In a written statement, Gill, expressed his appreciation for the job and his team's efforts on the field.
"I would like to thank the University of Kansas for the opportunity to be its head football coach," Gill said. "On behalf of our staff, I want to thank the players for putting their heart and soul into this football program the past two years. I hope nothing but the best for all their future endeavors, both on and off the field.”
The school said it plans to conduct a national search to replace Gill, 49. In the interim, Reggie Mitchell, the school's recruiting coordinator, will serve as head coach until a successor is named.
The University of Kansas announced the move on Sunday. Gill signed on as headcoach of the Jayhawks football team in 2009 after signing a five-year, $10 million contract. After a 3-9 record in 2010, Gill led Kansas to a 2-10 mark this season. The Jayhawks lost all nine conference games this season.
"After a thorough evaluation of our football program," KU athletics director Sheahon Zenger said. "I have concluded that new leadership is necessary to place us on the path toward competing for championships in the Big 12 Conference. I come to this conclusion reluctantly, because I have the utmost respect for Turner Gill as a quality individual who wants only the best for the young men he coaches."
Prior to taking the Kansas job, Gill coached at Buffalo for four seasons. The 49-year-old amassed a 20-30 record over that time, turning around a program that had only five total wins in the four years prior to his arrival.
FoxKansas.com Staff Writer Alfred Charles contributed to this report. He can be reached at acharles@nptvgroup.com.
