The University of Akron Athletics
Akron Relieves J.D. Brookhart From Head Football Coaching Dutiies
November 28 | Football
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
