Kansas football: Athletic Director Sheahon Zenger needed to go
By Stan Unruh
The University of Kansas is looking for a new Athletic Director. Most Jayhawk fans are probably relieved that Sheahon Zenger is out, effective immediately.
It took twelve months but give University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod credit for taking action on Monday to fire Athletic Director Sheahon Zenger. Considering the lengthy message sent to the campus community, Girod probably had this in the works for a few weeks. It also appears the chancellor has everything in place to find the ideal candidate to lead KU Athletics.
It’s not easy to make staff changes. As a matter of fact, this is a difficult change because Zenger did so many good things over the past 8-years. Most will agree the university athletic facilities needed a lot of attention when Zenger took over in the Athletic program. He did an outstanding job finding the money to make up for many years of just getting by. Rock Chalk Park is a testament to Zenger’s hard work.
He also did some things that make it difficult to allow him to continue. A successful athletic director’s performance is not measured by just fundraising and facilities. They are important but just a part of his responsibilities. The most negative portions of Zenger’s job performance involve the Kansas football team.
The chancellor’s statement didn’t mention the football team but did say
"Progress in key areas has been elusive."
Yes, the chancellor is correct. The Jayhawk football program is a key area. Probably the most important area of all. It is no secret that Zenger ruined his career when he hired two football coaches who have not put a winning product on the field. Football was supposed to be one of his areas of expertise.
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Nobody enjoys seeing anyone lose a job. On the other hand, Zenger needed to go. He won’t miss any meals. After a 4-year contract extension a few months ago, KU will pay him over a million dollars to find another job. It’s expensive but Chancellor Girod took the right step for Kansas Athletics. Jayhawk fans should expect more change on the horizon.