Boston College coach Frank Spaziani came into the season needing a stellar year to keep his job.
It didn't happen.
Athletic director Brad Bates announced Sunday evening that the university had decided it was time for a change after a season-ending loss to N.C. State left the Eagles at 2-10 for the season.
"A personnel decision of this magnitude affects many people and is never taken lightly, but I felt a change was necessary," Bates said.
Spaziani has been with the Boston College program for 16 years. He was promoted to head coach in 2008 after former athletic director Gene DeFilippo fired then-head coach Jeff Jagodzinski. Jagodzinski, who was 20-8, won a bowl game and had a team finish in the top 10, was fired for interviewing with the New York Jets.
And the program has struggled since.
Spaziani was 8-5 in his first season, but the Eagles seemingly got worse as his tenure went on. The Eagles went 7-6, 4-8 and 2-10 in his final three seasons.
Prior to being hired as the head coach, Spaziani spent 10 seasons as the Eagles defensive coordinator and two years as the team's running backs coach. Spaziani's defenses were key in Boston College's 12 years of consecutive bowl games.
"Obviously this is a sad day for my family and me. Boston College has been my home for more than 16 years, and I have been fortunate to work with some amazing student-athletes," Spaziani said in a statement. "I will always treasure my relationships with them and the BC staff. Boston College is a tremendous place, and I am extremely thankful for my time there. I wish the current and future Eagles nothing but the best."
- - -
Got a tip for Dr. Saturday? Email us at dr.saturday@ymail.com. You can also connect with us via Twitter @YahooDrSaturday and be sure to "Like" Dr. Saturday on Facebook for football conversations and stuff you won't see on the blog.