South Florida sacks football coach Holtz

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TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The University of South Florida has fired football Coach Skip Holtz after a 3-9 record this past season, school officials announced Sunday.

The Bulls finished with the worst record in the 16-year history of the program following Saturday's season-ending 27-3 home loss to Pittsburgh.

Holtz -- son of legendary former college coach Lou Holtz -- managed a 16-21 overall mark in three season at the helm, including a 5-16 record in Big East Conference games.

After praising Holtz for stressing improved academics at South Florida, Athletic Director Doug Woolard said the move was made to improve the team's on-field performance.

"We must strive to put a more successful football program on the field," he said. "Beginning today, we will move in a new direction toward that goal."

"I believe we made some positive strides, most notably in our academics, that were helping to build a foundation for this program and I would have liked the opportunity to see it through," Holtz said. "But I understand the administration's decision and wish them nothing but success in the future."