BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Weeks of speculation came to a head Tuesday afternoon when the University of Alabama-Birmingham announced the 2014 season was the last for its football program.
That leaves Marshall and other Conference USA football programs with a scheduling vacancy next season.
“The fiscal realities we face—both from an operating and a capital investment standpoint—are starker than ever and demand that we take decisive action for the greater good of the athletic department and UAB,” said university president Ray Watts. “As we look at the evolving landscape of NCAA football, we see expenses only continuing to increase. When considering a model that best protects the financial future and prominence of the athletic department, football is simply not sustainable.”
UAB currently has the fifth-largest athletic budget in Conference USA at about $30 million, but nearly $20 million of that is subsidized through university funds. UAB officials contend keeping football would require an additional $49 million over the next five years.
“UAB must act strategically and responsibly to expand its positive impact for its students, patients, faculty and staff, as well as the Birmingham community, Alabama and beyond,” Watts said. “There is too much at stake to allow emotions to override prudent financial management of this institution.”
UAB’s football team is 6-6 this year and bowl-eligible for the second time in school history.
Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky released a statement critical of UAB’s decision:
“We are aware of the study, but disappointed with the decision to discontinue the sport of football at UAB, particularly because of its effect on the lives of the student-athletes and coaches that have worked so hard to restore the quality of the program,” the Commissioner said. “We don’t fully understand the decision, nor agree with it, but do respect it and the authority of the UAB administration to make it.”
UAB has expressed interest in remaining a member of Conference USA but the league’s by-laws do not permit that. Full conference members must carry a football program.
UAB will honor players’ scholarships, though they are eligible to transfer and play immediately because the football program is being dissolved. Officials also announced coaches’ contracts also would be honored.