West Point, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - In the wake of a 34-7 loss to Navy on Saturday in Philadelphia, Army has fired head football coach Rich Ellerson.
"This is a very difficult day for all of us at West Point," said Army director of athletics Boo Corrigan in making the announcement on Sunday. "Rich Ellerson has represented West Point and the Army football program extremely well since taking over as our head coach five years ago. He has been a tremendous role model for our cadet-athletes and great mentor for many within the athletic department.
"Unfortunately, our team has not experienced the level of success on the football field that we expect, and we feel it is necessary to make a change in leadership at this time."
Ellerson, who was hired the day after Christmas in 2008 and then signed to a two-year contract extension in December of 2010, finished his tenure at 20-41. That includes a 3-9 record this past season and five straight defeats to their military rivals.
A search for his replacement will take effect immediately.
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