Gill out as Kansas football coach

Kansas football coach Turner Gill has been fired, KU athletic director Sheahon Zenger announced Sunday afternoon.

Gill coached the Jayhawks for two seasons, going 5-19 and 1-16 in Big 12 play.

"After a thorough examination 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 in a statement. "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 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 named KU recruiting coordinator Reggie Mitchell as interim head coach.

Zenger said that KU will fulfill the remaining $6 million on Gill's contract.

"We are striving for excellence across KU's academic and research missions, and that drive extends to all of our athletic programs," KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little said. "In consulting with athletic 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."