The University of Hawaii fired athletic director Herman Frazier yesterday after he failed to re-sign football coach June Jones.
In a brief statement, the university said the move was made "in the best interest of the athletics program." It came a day after Jones, the most-winning coach in school history, accepted a five-year deal worth about $2 million a year to coach at Southern Methodist.
Frazier's contract was set to expire July 31, 2010.
Rutgers -- Running back Ray Rice will skip his senior year to enter the NFL draft after becoming the leading rusher in school history and transforming the Scarlet Knights into a Top 25 team. His decision came three days after he rushed for 280 yards and scored four touchdowns in a 52-30 victory over Ball State in the International Bowl.
Michigan -- Rich Rodriguez filled out most of his coaching staff, bringing many of the assistants who helped him build West Virginia into a Big East power. Rodriguez will be joined by six former Mountaineers coaches, choosing to keep only one of Lloyd Carr's assistants: Fred Jackson as running backs coach. But he has not hired or identified who will be his defensive coordinator. Among the former West Virginia coaches going to Michigan is Calvin Magee, who will be associate head coach-offensive coordinator.
More Michigan -- Rodriguez does not expect to coach wide receivers Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington or quarterback Ryan Mallett with the Wolverines. Manningham and Arrington will skip their senior seasons and Mallett will transfer, according to Rodriguez. Jim Mallett, however, insisted his son has not made a decision.
BCS title game -- The LSU-Ohio State matchup in the Bowl Championship Series title game couldn't draw as many television viewers as last season's Florida-Ohio State game. The Tigers' 38-24 win Monday night on Fox earned a 14.4 rating and a 22 share, down 17 percent from the 17.4/27 in 2007.
Auburn -- Tigers defensive tackle Pat Sims said he will skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Sims was an All-Southeastern Conference first-team pick this season.