Lawrence, Kansas

Kansas athletic director Sheahon Zenger announced that Turner Gill has been relieved of his duties as head football coach of the Jayhawks.

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 I have concluded that new leadership is necessary to place us on the path toward competing for championships in the Big 12 Conference," Zenger said. "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 informed Gill of his decision late Sunday afternoon and said a national search for Gill's successor will begin immediately.

"I have no specific timetable," Zenger said. "Naturally I would like to have a new coach on board as soon as possible."

Zenger also announced that recruiting coordinator Reggie Mitchell will be the interim head coach.

Kansas Athletics owes Gill nearly $6 million dollars 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."

Kansas finished the 2011 season 2-10 overall and 0-9 in the Big 12 including a season-ending 24-10 loss to Missouri in the 120-year-old Border War rivalry. Gill was just 5-19 in two seasons at Kansas. Only one of those 5 wins was against a Big 12 conference team (Colorado).

Just four seasons ago the Jayhawks won the Orange Bowl in the 120-year-old Border War rivalry.

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