Former KU football coach Turner Gill thanks players, university

November 28, 2011|By Jenn Bates | KWCH 12 Eyewitness Sports

(LAWRENCE, Kan.) — The University of Kansas fired head football coach Turner Gill on Sunday. Gill just finished the second year of a 5-year contract that was worth $10 million.

Gill released this statement Monday morning:

“I would like to thank the University of Kansas for the opportunity to be its head football coach. 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.”

Gill, 49, was hired away from Buffalo in December 2009 by former athletic director Lew Perkins to replace Mark Mangino. KU had a 5-19 record in Gill's two seasons, going 1-16 in Big 12 play.

Recruiting Coordinator Reggie Mitchell will serve as interim coach until a permanent coach is named following a national search.

The University of Kansas released the following statement on Sunday:

Turner Gill has been relieved of his duties as head football coach at the University of Kansas, KU Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger announced Sunday. Gill has coached the Jayhawks for two seasons after signing a five-year, $10 million contract in December 2009.

“After a thorough evaluation of our football program,” 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.”

Zenger, who informed Gill of his decision late Sunday afternoon, said a national search for Gill’s successor will begin immediately. “I have no specific timetable,” he said. “Naturally I would like to have a new coach on board as soon as possible.” Zenger has named recruiting coordinator Reggie Mitchell as interim head coach.

Kansas Athletics owes Gill some $6 million for the remaining three years of his contract; Zenger said Kansas will fulfill the terms of that contract.

"We are striving for excellence across KU's academic and research missions, and that drive extends to all of our athletic programs,” said KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. “In consulting with Athletics Director Zenger, I agree that in order to achieve the excellence we seek in Kansas Football it is time to make a leadership change. Turner Gill is a man of integrity and we appreciate his service to our community."

The current staff will continue to recruit under the direction of Mitchell.

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