Athletic house cleaning appears to be the name of the game for Colorado State on the heels of another disappointing football season.
Just a few days ago, the school announced that athletic director Paul Kowalczyk had been fired and was being replaced by former CSU football player Jack Graham. Kowalczyk was canned six years into his tenure.
Today, one of Kowalczyk’s hires, football coach Steve Fairchild, also got the boot, according to CBS Sports’ Brett McMurphy.
The school later confirmed the firing.
“I appreciate all that Steve has done for Colorado State University,” Graham said in a statement. “As a former player, graduate, assistant and head coach, Steve took great pride in our football program and university. He will always be a valued member of the Ram family.”
“I would like to thank Colorado State University for giving me the opportunity to come back and serve as head football coach,” Fairchild said in his own release. “I would also like to thank all the players that I have had the opportunity to coach, as well as the coaching staff. Their hard work and commitment is greatly appreciated.
“We have made some great strides over the last four years, both on and off the field, and I feel the program is ready to take a major step forward.”
Fairchild had been the coach at CSU for four years, but had only one winning season -- his first in 2008. Since then, Fairchild has had three consecutive 3-9 campaigns and is 16-33 overall with the Rams. With Graham coming on board recently, it’s not surprising to see Fairchild get let go so soon.
Under the terms of his employment agreement, Fairchild will be paid an amount equal to his annual base salary of $350,000 through the end of 2012.
