Cincinnati Bearcats Depart With Two Coaches

Dec 28, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Silverberry Mouhon (92) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the first quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bearcats football team announced Friday that Head Coach Tommy Tuberville and his staff have departed with two coaches who will no longer remain at the University of Cincinnati.

Defensive Coordinator Art Kaufman and Defensive Tackles Coach Fred Tate will not be retained by Tuberville for the 2014 football season. This news came as a bit of a shock to Bearcats fans and surely to Kaufman and Tate.

There are numerous theories as to why both were let go. Kaufman’s firing is baffling because the Cincinnati Bearcats had the 12th ranked defense in the NCAA this season. But when the Bearcats defense got exposed, they got exposed badly. The Illinois and UNC games are perfect examples.

Coach Tuberville stated Friday that this was mainly for recruiting purposes. “This is more about recruiting. I always start with recruiting” Tuberville told the Cincinnati Enquire Friday. Tuberville appears to be looking for coaches with more Midwestern ties so the Bearcats can recruit the region better. Kaufman and Tate were only responsible for two or three recruits in this years class.

Tuberville hopes to have his coaching staff finalized in the next ten days. The wild twitter rumor from Bearcats fans is former Auburn Head Coach for the defensive coordinator position. That is likely to only remain a rumor but it would be interesting.

We will update you whenever Coach Tuberville makes a decision. Until then follow us on twitter @RiverFrontBall for updates.