TUSCON, AZ — The University of Arizona fired football coach Rich Rodriguez Tuesday night, the university announced.
“After conducting a thorough evaluation of our football program and its leadership, both on and off the field, President Robbins and I feel it is in the best interest of the University of Arizona and our athletics department to go in a new direction,” Arizona Athletic Director Dave Heeke said in a statement released by the school.
Arizona will honor the terms of Rodriguez’s contract which is expected to include paying him a $6.3 million buyout.
Arizona President Robert Robbins sent a letter to the campus community Tuesday night explaining the decision that followed a sexual harassment investigation after a complaint was made by a former university female employee last October. The university concluded its investigation last week. Robbins said the claim could not be substantiated.
“However, Arizona Athletics did become aware of information, both before and during the investigation, which caused it to be concerned with the direction and climate of the football program,” the campus community letter said.
The woman has filed a multi-million dollar financial claim against Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, a former WVU head coach, answered the allegations and responded to his firing via Twitter Tuesday night.
“I was deeply disappointed to learn by email this evening that the University of Arizona is buying out my contract. My coaching staff and I were very excited about the trajectory of our young team and looked forward to 2018 and beyond.
This action comes on the heels of an outside investigation by the University into alleged workplace misconduct. This investigation concerned a complaint by my former administrative assistant, who threatened a $7.5 million lawsuit alleging harassment.
The University initiated a thorough outside investigation. I fully cooperated with the investigation, including voluntarily taking and passing a polygraph. The University determined that there was no truth to her accusations and found me innocent of any wrongdoing.
This was a thorough investigation that lasted over 10 weeks and included multiple members of my current and former staff. Notably, the complainant refused to cooperate with the investigation. It was comforting to be reassured of what I already knew, the claims were baseless and false.
Regrettably, the complaint included a single truth — in the past, I had a consensual extramarital affair with a woman who is not affiliated with the University. It was wrong, and I have apologized to my wife and family. I am still working incredibly hard to repair the bonds I’ve broken and regain the trust of my wife and children, whom I love dearly.
I am not a perfect man, but the claims by my former assistant are simply not true and her demands for a financial settlement are outrageous. I am saddened that these accusations and investigation have caused my family additional stress.
To my players, staff and supporters, it’s been an honor to lead and serve you. As I’m sure that they would expect to me to do, I will vigorously fight these fabricated and groundless claims.”
The West Virginia native Rodriguez, 54, spent six seasons leading the Wildcats. He finished the most recent campaign 7-6 following a loss to Purdue in the Foster Farms Bowl.
Rich Rod came to Arizona a year after he was fired at Michigan following a three year record of 15-22 . Rodriguez bolted from West Virginia to become the Wolverines coach in December 2007 after an upset loss to Pitt that cost WVU a spot in the national championship game.
The North Marion graduate was a defensive back at West Virginia in the early 1980s under Hall of Fame coach Don Nehlen.
Rodriguez was 43-35 at Arizona. He was 60-26 in seven seasons at his alma mater.
His firing Tuesday also cost former Mountaineer Garin Justice his job. Justice, a Mingo County native, recently joined Rodriguez’s staff to coach the offensive line.