Citing a lack of administrative support, Don Fambrough resigned as Kansas football coach this morning.
“In view of the fact,” Fambrough said at a press conference at Allen Fieldhouse, “that I have only one year remaining on my contract, and realizing this situation can be detrimental to recruiting, I am reluctantly resigning”
Athletic director Clyde Walker, also at the press conference, said Fambrough ahs accepted an offer to remain as a member of the athletic department. Details of the job, Walker said, would be announced later.
Fambrough, who compiled a 1-25-1 record in four years as head man, made it clear he was resigning because Walker wouldn’t give him an extension beyond the on-year remaining on his three-year pact.
“To be perfectly frank,” the 52-year-old Fambrough said, “I expected an extension a year ago (after taking the Jayhawks to the Liberty Bowl), but it was probably my fault for not asking for it at that time.
Walker stressed that he never told Fambrough he would not be rehired after next season, just that an extension would not be made at this time.
“I would say it was a one-man decision,” Walker pointed out. “The buck stops with me.”
Walker said he reached his decision at the conclusion of the 1974 season, or following the Jayhawks’ sixth straight loss, and told Fambrough last Monday.
“I didn’t think it was appropriate to recommend an extension,” Walker said, “and Chancellor (Archie) Dykes was in accord with that decision.”
That was enough for Fambrough.
“In recruiting young men,” Don said, “we know that a paramount question in their minds is whether the coach who recruits them will continue to be their coach.
“With this concern primarily in mind, I am resigning for what I believe to be under those circumstances the good of the football program and the university.”
Rumors that Fambrough was resigning for health reasons were quickly quashed by the man who has spent 26 years as a coach and player at KU.
“I want to make it real clear,” he said, “I’m in perfect health. I have stomach aches on Friday nights, but if a coach doesn’t get stomach aches, he’s not concerned about the game.” Earlier reports were that an ulcer condition and a case of “shingles” were major factors.
Fambrough also made it plain he thought he had done a good job in what he termed four years ago on his hiring as “the only job I ever wanted.”
“I think we did a good job of recruiting,” Fambrough said of his tenure. “In my opinion we’ve done a pretty good job. I was proud of the fact that in three years we’ve earned a tie for second in the Big Eight and went to the Liberty Bowl.”
Walker said he hasn’t contacted anyone as a possible replacement, adding “There is no deadline, but we want to get the best coach available as soon as possible.”
A three-man search committee, Walker said, would be formed, including one alumnus, one faculty member and one student. “But,” Walker emphasized, “I expect to basically make the search myself. Certainly I have some things in mind, but no particular individuals.”
Of the members of Fambrough’s staff, the most likely candidate is defensive coordinator Jim Dickey. “Obviously I’d be interested in the job,” Dickey said today.
Fambrough’s salary is $25,500 a year, but Walker said he would go higher for the right man. “We’re certainly willing to pay whatever it takes,” he said, noting that he considered a four-year contract the minimum he would offer.
Walker said the decision not to extend Fambrough’s pact was his alone. But the Journal-World has learned that certain alumni pressure was also applied.
Specifically critical of Fambrough have been Monte Johnson, an athletic board member, and former board members Jordan Haines and John T. Stewart.
Those three alums were the prime movers in bringing Walker here from North Carolina in July, 1973.
An alumni schism is apparently developing over Fambrough’s resignation. One of the first jobs of the new head coach will be to polarize the pro-Fambrough and anit-Fambrough factions.
“My greatest regret,” Fambrough said, “is leaving the fine young men who are presently on the squad. I wish them well, I will continue to try to do anything I can for them personally and for the future of the athletic program at the university.”
