TUCSON, Ariz. — University of Arizona Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke announced on December 12, the day after Arizona State defeated the Wildcats 70-7,

that Head Football Coach Kevin Sumlin has been relieved of his duties effective immediately. Defensive Coordinator Paul Rhoads will serve as the Interim Head Coach.

Sumlin finishes his three-year tenure at UArizona with an overall record of 9-20, including a Pac-12 record of 6-17. He came to Arizona after serving as the head coach at Texas A&M and the University of Houston.

The University will honor the terms of Sumlin’s existing contract, including all buyout provisions, with funding from athletics generated revenue and sources.

Statement from Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke:
“When we hired Kevin three years ago, we had very high hopes for our football program. Unfortunately, we simply have not seen the results and upward trajectory in our program that we needed to, and I believe now is the time for a change in leadership. I thank Kevin for his service to the University of Arizona and wish him the very best in the future.

Our attention now turns to finding the next head coach at the University of Arizona, while we continue to support our student-athletes, who have sacrificed so much since returning to campus this summer. We will cast a wide net to identify and recruit a coach who shares our vision, our values and our passion for winning.”

COURTESY ARIZONA ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS