Syracuse University athletic director Mark Coyle has announced that head football coach Scott Shafer has been fired, effective after the season, according to University's website.
"I want to thank Scott, his wife Missy, and their family for their seven years of dedication and service to SU Athletics and Syracuse University," said Coyle in statement, via Cuse.com. "Scott has worked tirelessly to educate our students on and off the field and to build our program. However, I feel a change in leadership is needed at this time. A national search will begin immediately."
Shafer was 13-23 as a head coach for the Orange in three seasons. His best season was his first year as head coach in 2013 when he lead them to a 7-6 record, and a win in the Texas Bowl. Syracuse's AD, Coyle, reportedly could target a top offensive guy to give his program a much-needed boost, according to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports.
Former Boise State offensive coordinator and current quarterback coach at Notre Dame Mike Sanford could be a name the Orange want to go after this offseason. Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost is also a name to watch as the coaching search begins in Syracuse. This will be the football program's search for their fourth head coach in 10 seasons.
Syracuse faces Boston College this Saturday at home in the Carrier Dome, and it will be interesting to see how Shafer's players respond on the field after the news of his firing. Syracuse has lost eight straight games going into Saturday's matchup, and Shafer's players will likely be fired up to send their head coach out with a win.
