Gary Barnett reluctantly stepped down as football coach of Colorado on Thursday, accepting a $3 million settlement and ending a tenure that was riddled by off-the-field problems but ultimately done in by recent bad results on the field.
Barnett said the decision was made by athletic director Mike Bohn.
“In the last 24 hours, Mike has made a decision to change the football coach at the University of Colorado,” he said. “I respect that decision, I didn’t like that decision–I didn’t resign my position–but I wholeheartedly accept … the decision.”
Colorado lost three straight games by a combined score of 130-22. The Buffs (7-5) face Clemson in the Champs Sports Bowl on Dec. 27. Barnett, 49-38 over seven seasons, will not coach the team in that game.
