The Akron program decided not to waste any time and seek a new direction by firing head coach J.D. Brookhart the day after the season ended. Under Brookhart, the Zips showed promise of becoming a powerhouse.
Akron captured the MAC East Division title and won the MAC Championship Game in 2005, the first time the Zips won the conference title and earned a bowl bid in the school's Division I era. Under Brookhart, the Zips added several other milestones, defeating a BCS opponent -- North Carolina State in 2006 and Syracuse in 2008 -- for the first time in school history. Brookhart finished with a 5-1 record against rival Kent State, including a memorable win this season to spoil KSU's bowl chances.
"I don't want to be bitter," said Brookhart, who had a 30-42 record in six seasons at Akron. "Me and my family have had six great years in Akron we have thoroughly enjoyed. We love this place. At the same time, I realize, this is a business."
What led to Brookhart's dismissal was the inability to capitalize on the 2005 success. The Zips posted a 17-31 mark in the four seasons since winning the MAC title. The four straight losing seasons and rash of problems in the program contributed to Brookhart's firing.
The Zips started the season with high hopes with the opening of the $61.6-million InfoCision Stadium in September. The Zips defeated Morgan State in the first game played at InfoCision Stadium. It was all downhill from that moment.
Senior quarterback Chris Jacquemain, a starter in 2007 and 2008, was dismissed from the team early in the season for a violation of team policy. Jacquemain's dismissal led to a snowball effect.
Recruiting coordinator Reno Ferri was placed on administrative leave pending a review if he violated NCAA rules, with Ferri eventually resigning.
A handful of injuries to key players led to Akron stumbling to a 3-9 mark. The Zips lacked a running game and put little pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Akron finished with 1,421 yards, with Joe Tuzze leading the team with a scant 244 yards. The defense finished with 11 sacks and allowed opponents to convert 49 percent of their third down attempts. Andre Jones was the lone reliable playmaker on offense. The senior was a jack-of-all-trades for the Zips, finishing with 553 receiving yards, 34 rushing yards, one incompletion, four punt returns for 18 yards, three kickoff returns for 59 yards and 21 tackles.
The Zips defeated Morgan State, Kent State and Eastern Michigan in Brookhart's final season.
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