Charlie Weis fired by Kansas after loss to Texas

Kansas Coach Charlie Weis was fired after the team’s 23-0 loss to Texas on Saturday, the university announced Sunday.

Weis, the former Notre Dame coach who was hired by the Jayhawks in 2012, went 6-22 during his tenure with the team.

Kansas Athletic Director Sheahon Zenger named defensive coordinator Clint Bowen as the team’s interim coach. Zenger said he informed Weis of his decision Sunday morning.

“I normally do not favor changing coaches midseason,” Zenger said in a statement. “But I believe we have talented coaches and players in this program, and I think this decision gives our players the best chance to begin making progress right away.

“I appreciate what Coach Weis did with several facets of our football program. But we have not made the on-the-field progress we believe we should. I believe new leadership gives our coaches and players the best chance to make a fresh start.”

Weis, who guided the Jayhawks to a 2-2 record this season, was in the third year of a five-year contract with Kansas. Weis went to Kansas after working as Florida’s offensive coordinator in 2011. After being fired by Notre Dame in 2009, he served as the Kansas City Chiefs’ head coach in 2010.

Before leading the Fighting Irish to three bowl appearances, Weis won three Super Bowls as offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots from 2000-04.