LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Jayhawk nation now has new hopes for its football program following the termination of Head Coach Charlie Weis.
The University of Kansas Athletics fired Head Football Coach Weis on Sunday morning. Four games into his third season following a 23-0 loss Saturday to the University of Texas.
“I think he put in a good effort, but it’s got to turn around. Football is flagship. Basketball is huge around here, but football is the one that brings in the revenue so we’ve got to get it turned around man,” said Jesse Mitchell, graduated from KU and seven years later, still lives in Lawrence.
He hopes bringing in a new coach will revamp the long-suffering football program.
“As much as people donate money, you know, people want to go out. We want to see something in the fall. We don’t want to just sit around and wait for basketball season,” said Mitchell.
Danny Nick was surprised the termination came Sunday morning. He said,
“Very, very happy that he got canned,” said Nick. “I didn’t think this was going to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. I thought it was going to be somewhere down the road, because I didn’t really expect a win against Texas.”
The sophomore tasted defeat firsthand Saturday.
“I went to the game yesterday, but you know when you’re down 14-zero and you just haven’t seen anything on offense, it’s hard not to leave at halftime,” said Nick.
The KU Athletic Director said in a statement, “I normally do not favor changing coaches mid-season. I think this decision gives our players the best chance to begin making progress right away.”
It is progress some Jayhawks believe could lead to victory.
“Very optimistic about it. I think we’ll find somebody. Sheahon Zenger has a big hire ahead of him. It’ll be what people remember him for,” said Mitchell.
Weis leaves with a 6-22 record. He coached at Notre Dame and also in the pros for the New England Patriots.
