SEATTLE — The University of Washington announced Sunday that it has fired head football coach Jimmy Lake.
The change is effective immediately and assistant coach Bob Gregory will serve as interim head coach for the rest of the season.
UW said it will honor the terms of his contract.
The firing comes after just 13 games and a 7-6 record as the Huskies’ head coach. The UW said a national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
UW director of athletics Jen Cohen released the following statement:
“Making a head coaching change in any sport is difficult, recognizing that the decision impacts coaches, staff, student-athletes and their families,” said Cohen. “However, as the steward of UW Athletics, I must always act in the best interests of our student-athletes, our department and our university. No one wanted Jimmy to succeed more than I when I hired him in 2019, but ultimately, this change is necessary for a variety of reasons, both on the field and off. I am grateful for Jimmy’s service to Washington, and we wish him the very best of luck moving forward.”
Lake came to UW in 2014 as the defensive backs coach and was eventually promoted to defensive coordinator in 2018.
Lake was suspended last week after an altercation with a player during the first half of the matchup with Oregon. The suspension went into effect immediately and included all football-related activities.
>> UW head football coach Jimmy Lake suspended
Gregory served as acting head coach this week in the game against Arizona.
During the altercation in question, Lake appeared to thrust his right arm toward Ruperake Fuavai during a brief skirmish on the Washington sideline. Fuavai appeared to be exchanging words with Oregon’s Jaylon Redd.
Asked about it after the game, Lake said he did not hit Fuavai and was trying to get him away from Redd before it could become a penalty.
“I separated him. I did not strike him. I separated him,” Lake said.