Courtesy: Scott Horstman

AKRON - University of Akron Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill announced today that head football coach J.D. Brookhart and his staff have been relieved of their duties. A national search for his replacement will begin immediately.

"Late last night, I asked for and received support from (University President) Dr. Luis Proenza in making a change in the leadership for the football program. Earlier today, I spoke with Coach Brookhart and informed him of my decision to take the football program in a new direction.

"These types of decisions are never easy because of the people involved. Coach Brookhart and his staff have accomplished things never before done at Akron. We are thankful to Coach Brookhart for his dedicated service, his relationships with the student-athletes and for his passion while here at the University.

"Many factors played into this decision and certainly our win-loss record this year was one of them. Also, the program now has four straight below .500 records in Mid-American Conference play. That is not reflective of the level of commitment the University has made to this program. It is time for a new vision and new voice.

"Today is a new beginning for Akron football. We have got a lot to be excited about. The opening of InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field has breathed new life into our entire campus and especially our athletic program. Now we have the opportunity to reignite fan enthusiasm in Akron football with a new head coach.

"Time is of the essence in bringing in a new leader. We will move quickly and efficiently to deliver the best coach possible for The University of Akron and our student-athletes."

Brookhart, who was hired in 2004, posted a six-year record of 30-42 at Akron, while going 22-26 in MAC games. He was named 2004 MAC Coach of the Year as the Zips won a program-best six league games that season. In 2005, the Zips won the MAC East Division title and won the program's only MAC Championship, defeating Northern Illinois to earn Akron's first bowl berth as a Division I program. In 2006, Akron defeated North Carolina State for the program's first win over a BCS (Bowl Championship Series) program.

J.D. Brookhart’s Head Coaching Record
• 30-42 (.417) — Overall record (six seasons, all at Akron)
• 22-26 (.458) — Record versus MAC Opponents

2004 6-5 overall 6-2 MAC
2005 7-6 overall 5-3 MAC
2006 5-7 overall 3-5 MAC
2007 4-8 overall 3-5 MAC
2008 5-7 overall 3-5 MAC
2009 3-9 overall 2-6 MAC