Jerry Bovee, Weber State University director of athletics, announced Tuesday that head football coach Jody Sears has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately.
“Jody was placed in a difficult situation, and we appreciate what he did for our football team,” Bovee said. “In the end, we haven’t seen the progress in the program that we wanted and feel at this time it is best to make a change in our football leadership.”
Sears just completed his second season as head coach at WSU. He posted an overall record of 4-19 in the two seasons and was 3-13 in Big Sky Conference play. The Wildcats were 2-9 in 2012 and finished this season 2-10 overall and 1-7 in Big Sky play.
Sears took over the reins of coach during the 2012 season. He was named interim head coach after John Smith left the program to take the head coaching position at the University of Arkansas.
Sears was optimistic about his chances to continue in his position after a 32-7 win over Idaho State University on Saturday. After the game, Sears said he didn’t know when a decision would be made on his contract status by Bovee, Vice President Norm Tarbox and WSU President Charles Wight.
“I’ve got a three-year contract,” Sears said. “I know there are some benchmark things that could be possible issues, but you know what, I’ll let Mr. Bovee, Dr. Tarbox and President Wight handle all that, and I’m going to go find more ballplayers to continue to grow this program. That’s my job.”
Bovee added that a search for the new head coach will begin immediately.