Turner Gill has been fired after winning five games in two seasons at Kansas, athletic director Sheahon Zenger announced on Sunday.

"After a thorough evaluation of our football program, I have concluded that new leadership is necessary to place us on the path toward competing for championships in the Big 12 Conference," Zenger said. "I come to this conclusion reluctantly, because I have the utmost respect for Turner Gill as a quality individual who wants only the best for the young men he coaches."

The Jayhawks lost their final 10 games in 2011, six of those by 30 points or more. The Jayhawks also led Baylor by 21 points in the fourth quarter before losing in overtime on Nov. 12. Gill went 1-16 in conference play in his two seasons in the Big 12.

Recruiting coordinator Reggie Mitchell will take over as interim head coach until Gill's replacement is found.

Gill signed a five-year, $10 million contract in December 2009. Kansas will pay Gill $6 million not to coach, according to the university's press release.