Fort Collins, CO – Colorado State head football coach Steve Fairchild has been fired, new athletic director Jack Graham announced Sunday.
A national search for Fairchild's successor is underway.
Secondary coach Tim Duffie has been named transitional coach and will direct football staff and players and manage recruiting efforts in the meantime.
Fairchild compiled a 16-33 record in four seasons at the helm for Colorado State. The Rams closed this season with eight consecutive losses to finish 3-9 for the third straight year.
"With approximately 19 starters returning for the 2012 season, I regret not having the opportunity to see the process through," said Fairchild. "However, I realize that college football is a bottom-line business, and I knew when I was hired that I would be ultimately judged by wins and losses."
Fairchild, a former CSU quarterback, will receive his base salary of $350,000 through the end of 2012. The funding will come from private funds, not state money.
"I appreciate all that Steve has done for Colorado State University," said Graham, who replaced Paul Kowalczyk on Thursday. "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."
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