Posted by ESPN.com’s Graham Watson
Western Kentucky fired coach David Elson on Monday after seven seasons with the program, but Elson and his staff will coach the final three games of the season.
Western Kentucky is in the midst of its first season as an FBS program and is currently 0-9. WKU athletic director Wood Selig said in a news conference Monday afternoon that the team wasn’t competitive or living up to the standards that the school expected.
“As we sit here today, WKU is one of only four winless teams of 120 [FBS] member institutions, our 17 consecutive losses dating back to last year is the longest losing streak in the 91-year history of WKU football,” Selig said. “We have also lost 22 consecutive games against (FBS) opponents and we were more competitive against Sun Belt teams two years ago then we are currently.
“Losing of this magnitude is not what we expect. As the losses have mounted over the past few years, the level of frustration and disappointment within the community has dramatically increased and it must be addressed at this time.”
Elson is 39-41 during his tenure, but has struggled mightily during the past two seasons as the Hilltoppers have transitioned to FBS. During that time, WKU is just 2-19 and has rarely been competitive.
Also, the Bowling Green Daily News reported that season-ticket sales have dropped 17 percent since 2007, and sales of walk-up tickets are down 45 percent since 2008.
Recently, Elson starred in a promotion offering $6 tickets in an effort to drum up interest.
Selig and WKU president Gary Ransdell met after Saturday’s 40-20 loss to Troy. They told Elson on Monday morning and gave him the choice to finish out the season or leave immediately.
“I’m a David Elson guy,” Troy coach Larry Blakeney said on the Sun Belt teleconference after being asked about Elson’s firing. “I’ve gotten to know that young man and I think he’s a great young football coach. They certainly were as well prepared for us as any team in our league. It’s disappointing to me, but that’s the nature of this beast. I think a lot of him and I respect their program and I’m a coach’s guy and I hope that he fares well out of this experience and can move on and continue his career.”
According to Selig, Elson will receive a $500,000 buyout, as stipulated in his contract, at the end of the season.
Selig said a search committee was formed today to find Elson’s replacement, but no timetable has been set. Selig did say he’s already received emails and text messages from interested parties.
“I’m hearing that there are SEC coordinators that have let it be known that they have interest in our job,” Selig said. “I think the job is going to garner a lot of national interest and we will have an outstanding pool to choose from.”
Elson was not available to the media, but he did issue a statement through the WKU athletic department: “I have had the privilege of coaching at this great university for 14 years, so obviously I am very disappointed and do not agree with this decision.”
Western Kentucky fired coach David Elson on Monday after seven seasons with the program, but Elson and his staff will coach the final three games of the season.
Western Kentucky is in the midst of its first season as an FBS program and is currently 0-9. WKU athletic director Wood Selig said in a news conference Monday afternoon that the team wasn’t competitive or living up to the standards that the school expected.
“As we sit here today, WKU is one of only four winless teams of 120 [FBS] member institutions, our 17 consecutive losses dating back to last year is the longest losing streak in the 91-year history of WKU football,” Selig said. “We have also lost 22 consecutive games against (FBS) opponents and we were more competitive against Sun Belt teams two years ago then we are currently.
“Losing of this magnitude is not what we expect. As the losses have mounted over the past few years, the level of frustration and disappointment within the community has dramatically increased and it must be addressed at this time.”
Elson is 39-41 during his tenure, but has struggled mightily during the past two seasons as the Hilltoppers have transitioned to FBS. During that time, WKU is just 2-19 and has rarely been competitive.
Also, the Bowling Green Daily News reported that season-ticket sales have dropped 17 percent since 2007, and sales of walk-up tickets are down 45 percent since 2008.
Recently, Elson starred in a promotion offering $6 tickets in an effort to drum up interest.
Selig and WKU president Gary Ransdell met after Saturday’s 40-20 loss to Troy. They told Elson on Monday morning and gave him the choice to finish out the season or leave immediately.
“I’m a David Elson guy,” Troy coach Larry Blakeney said on the Sun Belt teleconference after being asked about Elson’s firing. “I’ve gotten to know that young man and I think he’s a great young football coach. They certainly were as well prepared for us as any team in our league. It’s disappointing to me, but that’s the nature of this beast. I think a lot of him and I respect their program and I’m a coach’s guy and I hope that he fares well out of this experience and can move on and continue his career.”
According to Selig, Elson will receive a $500,000 buyout, as stipulated in his contract, at the end of the season.
Selig said a search committee was formed today to find Elson’s replacement, but no timetable has been set. Selig did say he’s already received emails and text messages from interested parties.
“I’m hearing that there are SEC coordinators that have let it be known that they have interest in our job,” Selig said. “I think the job is going to garner a lot of national interest and we will have an outstanding pool to choose from.”
Elson was not available to the media, but he did issue a statement through the WKU athletic department: “I have had the privilege of coaching at this great university for 14 years, so obviously I am very disappointed and do not agree with this decision.”
ABOUT THIS BLOG
College Football Nation
Have a question about college football? Ask our bloggers:
You must be signed in to post a comment