WACO, Texas (BP)–Kevin Steele was fired as Baylor University’s football coach Nov. 3 but agreed to finish out the season, after compiling a four-year record of 9-33.
“I am disappointed that we were not able to meet the demands placed upon the Baylor football program in the time allowed,” Steele said in a news release.
“It is with regret that I announce this move,” said Tom Stanton, the university’s athletics director. “Kevin’s efforts have made significant improvements in many areas of our football program. His leadership has emphasized discipline, academics, organization and relationships with Texas high school coaches while representing the faith-based mission of Baylor University. There are few people with the character, integrity and faith that Kevin has. However, the need for on-the-field success is always a focal point in the athletic arena.”
Steele, hired before the 1999 season, has been feeling heat from alumni following several embarrassing defeats.
A week after Baylor’s 70-22 season-opening setback at California, a small plane flew over the Bears’ stadium dragging banners with messages directed at Stanton and Steele. One read, “Tom Stanton — Thou Shalt Not Steele.”
Other Baylor defeats this year include 23-0 to New Mexico, 41-0 to Texas A&M, 34-0 to Colorado and 44-10 to Kansas State.
The program was in bad shape when Steele arrived. Dave Roberts briefly preceded Steele, going 4-18 in two seasons. His 1998 team got the Big 12 skid started by losing its final five conference games. During the streak, the Bears lost by an average of 29 points, with 21 defeats by at least 20 points.
The Bears’ last winning season was a 7-4 finish in 1995, and their last bowl was a 10-3 defeat against Washington State in the Alamo Bowl after the 1994 season.
Before coming to Baylor, Steele was an up-and-coming defensive assistant as linebackers coach with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
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