Kansas will not retain head coach David Beaty at the end of the season, though Beaty will coach the team's remaining three games, the school announced Sunday. The Jayhawks are 3-6 in 2018 and fresh off a 27-3 home loss to Iowa State. Beaty had three wins in his prior three seasons at KU (3-33).
"After a thorough evaluation of the program, I believe that new leadership is necessary for our football team to move forward and compete at the highest level of the Big 12 Conference," athletic director Jeff Long said in a statement. "I know that Coach Beaty cares deeply about his players, and I respect that. The student-athletes on this team have continued to play hard -- and I am confident that they will do that for the rest of the season."
Beaty was 6-39 in three-plus seasons at the helm and just 2-31 in Big 12 play. His only Big 12 wins were in 2016 over Texas and Oct. 27 over TCU. Long informed Beaty of his decision on Sunday morning and met with the team shortly after.
"The search for a new head coach will begin immediately," Long said.
Long went on to send a more detailed statement about the impending search on Twitter.
Our search will find an experienced Head Coach. A Head Coach that is a proven program builder and strong recruiter. A Head Coach that is an established leader of men, both on and off the field. A Head Coach who is committed to Breaking the Cycle for @KU_Football #RockChalk
— Jeff Long (@jefflongKU) November 4, 2018
Beaty released a statement through Kansas' athletic department Sunday evening.
A statement from David Beaty: pic.twitter.com/jT0NwDq9rq
— Kansas Jayhawks (@KUAthletics) November 4, 2018
Beaty's buyout is $3 million, and the school will fulfill its financial obligation by paying it out in six equal installments. Beaty signed a five-year contract prior to the 2015 season, and that contract was extended by two years through 2021 following the 2016 season.
He previously spent three years on the Texas A&M staff as former coach Kevin Sumlin's wide receivers coach. Beaty previously served in the same role at Kansas in 2008-09 under Mark Mangino, as well as 2011 under Turner Gill. His ties to the state of Texas and history of offensive success made him an attractive option to Kansas, but the recruiting and success on the gridiron never seemed to materialize.
Long will hold a press conference at 7 p.m. ET to address his decision to part ways with Beaty.
