AKRON, Ohio — The University of Akron has fired head football coach J.D. Brookhart.

Athletic Director Tom Wistrcill announced the move Saturday, one day after the Zips defeated Eastern Michigan 28-21 to finish the season at 3-9.

Wistrcill said in a statement that many factors played into his decision, including four-straight seasons with the team finishing below .500 in Mid-American Conference play. He said the search for a new coach would begin immediately.

Brookhart, who was hired in 2004, had one year remaining on his contract.

He posted a record of 30-42 at Akron and was named 2004 MAC Coach of the Year. In 2005, the Zips won the MAC East Division title and won the program's only MAC Championship, defeating Northern Illinois to earn Akron's first bowl berth as a Division I program.