Mark Mangino Resigns as KU Football Coach

December 03, 2009

Mark Mangino

By Eyewitness Sports (LAWRENCE, Kan.)

Mark Mangino has resigned as head football coach at the University of Kansas, effective immediately.

Athletics Director Lew Perkins released the following statement on KU's website Thursday night:

"We appreciate the eight years that Mark has given to rebuilding our football program. He and I have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement that reflects the appreciation we have for his efforts on behalf of Kansas Football."

"As you know we have recently completed an internal review of the football program. I have been instructed by legal counsel that we cannot release any documents related to this investigation, nor any details regarding our settlement agreement. The investigation and settlement agreement will remain part of Mark's personnel records."

"Mark has brought much success to the football program at KU," Perkins continued. "He can leave with confidence that he has turned the football program around and set it on a path to even greater future success."

As always, our principal concern remains our student-athletes. Coaches David Beaty, Clint Bowen and Bill Miller will share interim head-coaching duties. I have the utmost confidence in their abilities and dedication.

Perkins said his focus is now the search for a new head coach. "I know people will float a number of names out there," he said, "but I will not comment on any potential candidates. I can only tell you I am certain that great things lie ahead for our Kansas football program. There's a great buzz surrounding Kansas Football; we have great fans and facilities, and we've demonstrated a strong commitment to the success of our program."

The school launched an internal investigation of Mangino's conduct in October. Former players came forward, accusing him of verbal and physical abuse. Other former players have rebutted their statements and praised Mangino's discipline.

Under Mangino's contract, if KU fired him for cause, it would not have to pay him the remainder of his contract. Mangino is still owed more than $6 million.

ESPN.com reports early candidates to replace Mangino include Texas A&M offensive coordinator Nolan Cromwell, a KU player in the 1970's, Connecticut coach Randy Edsall, Houston coach Kevin Sumlin and Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen.

Mangino went 50-48 in eight seasons with KU. He was two wins shy of becoming KU's winningest coach.

Under Mangino, the Jayhawks qualified for back-to-back bowls in 2007 and 2008 for the first time. Their victory over Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl is the first BCS bowl in school history. That year, Mangino was named as the Eddie Robinson Trophy winner by the College Football Writers of America.

The Jayhawks finished this season 5-7. They lost the last 7 games of the season after starting undefeated.

Expect updates on this story on Eyewitness Newscasts, here at kwch.com and on Twitter under KWCH12.

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