CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming coach Vic Koenning, whose teams have won only five games in three seasons, was fired Monday.
Koenning, 42, said he was at peace with the decision, but made no comment about his future.
"My only regret is not getting to see the fruits of our labors," he said. "I very much appreciate the support of the great fans and followers of Cowboy football. After six years here, being a Cowboy is in my blood."
Koenning will coach the Cowboys' remaining game this season at New Mexico on Nov. 30. The team is 2-9 this season.
Koenning compiled a 5-28 record at the school in three years, including a 1-19 mark in Mountain West Conference play. He had two years left on his contract, with a base salary of $105,204 a year.
"We believe that it is in the best interest of our program that we make a change at this time," athletic director Lee Moon said. "No one would ever question Vic's dedication and his work ethic. Unfortunately, sometimes those attributes do not necessarily translate into success."
"The Cowboys had just one quality win (Air Force) in three seasons," Moon said. "The success of any program, ultimately, is measured by wins and losses."
The school hopes to hire a new coach as soon as possible "and bring Cowboy football back to where we all expect it to be," Moon said.
Koenning became Wyoming's 29th head football coach in December 1999.
Koenning said the team made "tremendous strides" — in the classroom and on the field — during his three years.
"Unfortunately, we couldn't get enough wins on the field to demonstrate that progress," Koenning said. "This program will be successful with the character and courage that we feel like we've helped to instill in these young men."
Koenning broke the news to players Monday afternoon, Moon said.
"Just like anybody else, when they see change I'm sure they're concerned," Moon said, "but they're resilient and they've still got one more game to play and they have to go out and play."
Fifth-year linebacker Herman White, a team captain, said many players had grown close to Koenning, who was Wyoming's defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach for three seasons before being named head coach.
"It's one of those things where you don't want to see good people get the bad end of stick but, again, this is business and I guess (Moon) had to do what he had to do ... We're all behind coach Koenning," White said.
Koenning, who will coach the Cowboys' final game this season Nov. 30 at New Mexico, came to Wyoming from the Memphis, where he was the defensive secondary coach for six seasons (1991-96).
A 1983 graduate of Kansas State University, Koenning was a three-year starter at linebacker for the Wildcats, and served as captain of Kansas State's Independence Bowl team in 1982.