Darrell Hazell was fired from his head coaching position at Purdue Sunday afternoon. (File photo by Mike Deak)

WEST LAFAYETTE – Darrell Hazell has been relieved of his duties as Purdue head football coach and will be replaced by Gerad Parker as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2016 season.

Vice president and director of athletics Mike Bobinski made this announcement Sunday afternoon after consultation with board of trustees chairman Michael Berghoff and president Mitch Daniels.

“From the first time I met Darrell, I could tell he was a man of high character – a quality person who you would want leading a group of young men – but our inconsistent performance and inability to generate positive momentum thus far this season, along with the disappointing results of the past three seasons, made it clear to me that we needed to make a change. This is not a decision taken lightly, and I respect and appreciate the dedicated effort Darrell has put forth on behalf of Purdue,” Bobinski said. “We have a lot of football still ahead of us this season, and it’s important that our primary focus be on providing our team with the best possible preparation and opportunity for success. I appreciate Gerad taking over on an interim basis and look forward to his leadership and the continued commitment and efforts of our entire football coaching staff.”

Hazell was named head coach Dec. 5, 2012, and he compiled a 9-33 record, including 3-24 in Big Ten Conference games. This season, the Boilermakers are 3-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play after losing to Iowa on Saturday.

“College athletics can’t have a better man than Darrell Hazell, and I would like to see more individuals with his virtues in Division I athletics,” Daniels said. “But while character is mandatory every day at Purdue, positive performance also must be there. With new leadership and the rapidly evolving Football Performance Complex, I’m confident that better days are ahead. The Board and I fully understand and support the need for a successful football program and recognize the positive impact it brings to the intercollegiate athletics department, the campus community and Boilermaker alumni and fans everywhere.”