Skip Holtz Fired As Head Coach Of South Florida

Skip Holtz has been fired as the head coach of South Florida football after two straight losing seasons that showed no signs of forward progress.

Athletic DirectorDoug Woolard met personally with Skip Holtz on Sunday before announcing the firing.

Speaking of his decision, Woolard said:

“It was a very difficult meeting and one I will tell you that Skip handled very professionally and very classy as he always does. It was a matter of just not having the production that we needed to have over the last couple of years on the field. … Every program experiences highs and lows on the way to national prominence. Brighter days are ahead.”

Woolard added:

“It was a matter of just not having the production that we needed to have over the last couple of years on the field. … Every program experiences highs and lows on the way to national prominence … Brighter days are ahead.”

Skip Holtz finished with a losing record of 16-21 during his short stint at the Big East university that included only three years.

South Florida has now played through its worst three-year run in school history.

After his 5-7 second season record, Holtz had his contract extended through 2017. That contract extension will provide the football coach with a $2.5 million buyout over the next five years.

In a statement released by USF, Holtz thanked his assistant coaches and players for their dedication and loyalty:

“I’m extremely proud of how they fought through adversity during this time. Throughout my time here the young men on this team never gave up, and that reflects on their character as individuals and as a team.

“I believe we made some positive strides, most notably in our academics, that were helping to build a foundation for this program and I would have liked the opportunity to see it through. But I understand the administration’s decision and wish them nothing but success in the future.”

Are you surprised by Skip Holtz being fired so suddenly?