Minnesota fires Tim Brewster

Just 12 days ago, I wrote about Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster's seat warming up.

The fourth-year head coach was canned after the Golden Gophers got out to a 1-6 start this year.

He was 15-30 in three-and-a-half years, and just 6-21 in conference play. With that came a 0-10 record against rivals Wisconsin and Iowa, a big no-no to fans and boosters.

When Brewster was hired, it was a bit of a puzzling move: he had never been a head coach or coordinator in college or the NFL, according to ESPN.

Typically, colleges will let a coach finish out the season. But Minnesota's rough start, coupled with Brewster's historic lack of success and inability to win a trophy game, was enough for athletic director Joel Maturi to pull the plug. Minnesota is currently tied with Washington State for worst record in a BCS conference.

"Minnesota can and should be competitive in the Big Ten. We have a great facility here at TCF Bank Stadium. We are a world class academic institution. One of America's finest cities. And contrary to published reports, the resources are available. They are in place. There is a commitment to having a winning football program at the University of Minnesota," Maturi told reporters on Sunday.

Despite a 1-6 record (and a six-game losing streak), Minnesota has lost two games by three points or less, and five of its six games by 11 points or less.

So, while the Gophers look for Brewster's replacement, Jeff Horton, the team's offensive coordinator, will serve as the interim head coach.

Minnesota has already reached out to alumnus Tony Dungy, a future Hall of Fame coach with the Indianapolis Colts. But Dungy quickly shot down the idea, leaving the door on the job wide open.

The school could also pursue former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach, whose antics got him fired, despite a successful tenure in Lubbock, Texas.