Virginia fires football Coach Al Groh

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Nov. 29 (UPI) -- The University of Virginia fired football Coach Al Groh Sunday, one day after a 42-13 loss to Virginia Tech capped a disappointing 3-9 season.

Athletic Director Craig Littlepage announced Groh's immediate ouster after a nine-year tenure.

"There is not a coach in the college game who has worked harder than Al Groh in trying to build a football program," Littlepage said on the school's Web site. "We are grateful for his service and for his commitment to his players and his coaching staff."

Groh, a former Virginia football player who also coached the New York Jets of the NFL, had an overall record of 59-53 with five bowl game appearances.

His team had losing records in three of the last four seasons.

Groh had two years remaining on his contract, worth $4.33 million.

A national search for a successor is under way.