Arizona fires Rich Rodriguez after sexual harassment claim
Arizona university announced Tuesday it has parted ways with head coach Rich Rodriguez after six seasons with the program.
"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 the announcement.
The move comes after a sexual harassment claim was filed against Rodriguez by a former employee in the athletic department. University president Robert C. Robbins released a statement of his own, confirming the allegations were for sexual harassment:
In October 2017, the University's Office of Institutional Equity retained outside counsel to investigate allegations of sexual harassment against Mr. Rodriguez after a former employee in the Department of Athletics alleged that Mr. Rodriguez harassed her on multiple occasions. Like all University employees, Mr. Rodriguez is entitled to a fair investigation and due process and at no time has the University believed that Mr. Rodriguez posed any danger to a member of the community.
Rodriguez stands to lose at least $10.2 million if fired for cause using Jan. 1, 2018 as the termination date, according to an earlier report from Dan Wolken of USA TODAY Sports, citing sources.
Rodriguez recently completed his sixth season with the Wildcats, leading the team to a 43-35 overall record and a 24-30 conference record.