HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WTVA) -- Southern Miss head football coach Ellis Johnson will not return for the 2013 season.
School officials announced the decision to remove Johnson after one year leading the Golden Eagles.
The team finished 0-12 just one year after winning a school record 12 games.
Athletic Director Jeff Hammond issued a statement saying he made the recommendation to USM President Aubrey Lucas Tuesday.
The news release says Lucas approved the recommendation, and Johnson was notified by Hammond of the decision.
Johnson will get a $2.1 million dollar buyout for the remaining three years on his contract.
School officials say the search is underway to find a "dynamic leader with the character to lead our program back to prominence."
Hammond says "Today marks a new beginning, a new season and a new start. Thus I ask all members of the Southern Miss Family for your support, now more than ever. "
