WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue’s head football coach, Darrell Hazell, was fired Sunday afternoon, according to PurdueSports.com.
Hazell was relieved of his duties just one day after the team lost their homecoming game to Iowa, 49-35, and three weeks after they lost to Maryland, 50-7.
Gerad Parker will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2016 season.
Vice president and director of athletics, Mike Bobinski, made the announcement after consulting with the board of trustees chairman and President, Mitch Daniels.
"From the first time I met Darrell, I could tell he was a man of high character - a quality person who you would want leading a group of young men - but our inconsistent performance and inability to generate positive momentum thus far this season, along with the disappointing results of the past three seasons, made it clear to me that we needed to make a change. This is not a decision taken lightly, and I respect and appreciate the dedicated effort Darrell has put forth on behalf of Purdue," Bobinski said. "We have a lot of football still ahead of us this season, and it's important that our primary focus be on providing our team with the best possible preparation and opportunity for success. I appreciate Gerad taking over on an interim basis and look forward to his leadership and the continued commitment and efforts of our entire football coaching staff."
Hazell began his position as head coach in December 2013 and held a 9-33 record.
Daniels released a statement after the announcement:
"College athletics can't have a better man than Darrell Hazell, and I would like to see more individuals with his virtues in Division I athletics," Daniels said. "But while character is mandatory every day at Purdue, positive performance also must be there. With new leadership and the rapidly evolving Football Performance Complex, I'm confident that better days are ahead. The Board and I fully understand and support the need for a successful football program and recognize the positive impact it brings to the intercollegiate athletics department, the campus community and Boilermaker alumni and fans everywhere."
