By Fitzgerald Cecilio

Raleigh, NC

Firings were the order of the day as Boston College, Auburn and North Carolina State have given their respective head football coaches the boot after disappointing seasons.

North Carolina State terminated coach Tom O'Brien after a disappointing 7-5 season and despite leading the Wolfpack to three straight bowl games.

The Wolfpack have named offensive coordinator Dana Bible interim head coach while all assistants have been retained through at least the bowl.

In his six seasons with the Wolfpack, O'Brien went 40-35 but just 22-26 in the ACC.

Meanwhile, Boston College has announced that Frank Spaziani will not return coach after the Eagles finished 2-10 this season. The disappointing campaign was capped by a 27-10 loss to NC State Saturday.

Spaziani compiled a 22-29 record in his four years at the helm. He recently completed his 16th overall season with the Eagles, the first two as running backs coach and 10 as defensive coordinator.

Two years after leading Auburn to the national title, Gene Chizik was fired by the Tigers after the team finished 3-9 this season, capped by a 49-0 loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl.

"After careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of our football program, I have recommended that Coach Chizik not be retained," said Auburn Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs. "President Gogue has accepted my recommendation. Earlier this morning, I informed Gene that he will not return as head coach."

Jacobs noted that Coach Chizik has served Auburn with class and dignity, saying he exemplified the ideals of the school's creed throughout his tenure.

In four seasons at Auburn, Chizik guided the Tigers to a 33-19 record, including a 3-9 mark in 2012. Chizik led Auburn to a perfect 14-0 season in 2010 and the BCS National Championship. Auburn was 8-5 in his first season in 2009 and again in 2011.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity that I had during the last four seasons to serve as the head football coach at Auburn University. I'm extremely disappointed with the way this season turned out and I apologize to the Auburn family and our team for what they have had to endure," Chizik said in a statement.

Jacobs will lead a search committee composed of Auburn alumni Mac Crawford, Pat Sullivan and Bo Jackson to look for Chizik's replacement.

 

 

College Football Coaching Trio Dumped After Disappointing Seasons