The Rob Ianello era is done at the University of Akron. The University announcing this afternoon the former football coach will take a one-time payout of $250,000 to ease out of his contract.

Ianello had three years remaining but needed to free himself to take a coaching position elsewhere; the deal saves the University $750,000 over the three-year period.

The deal still requires Board of Trustees approval.

- - -

(University of Akron) Under the terms of an agreement reached Tuesday, Dec. 20, The University of Akron announced that former head football coach Rob Ianello will resign from the university to accept a coaching position elsewhere.

Ianello will forego three years of guaranteed employment with The University of Akron, with a base salary and benefits totaling in excess of $ 1 million, in return for receiving a one-time $250,000 payment – a savings of more than $750,000  in salary and benefits he would have received had he stayed at The University of Akron in a reassigned position for the three years remaining on his contract.

The agreement will be recommended by President Luis Proenza for approval by the University’s Board of Trustees at its next meeting, scheduled for January 18, 2012.

The University of Akron is continuing its search process for a new head football coach.

Two wins over two years were not enough for Rob Ianello to keep his job as head football coach at the University of Akron. 

University of Akron Athletics Department - news release

The University of Akron football program will have a new leader in 2012, as Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill announced Saturday that Rob Ianello will not return as head coach.
 
“Earlier today, I informed Coach Ianello that he has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately,” Wistrcill said. “In some areas, the program has made considerable progress under his leadership.  Unfortunately, the results on the field fell far short of our expectations. After a comprehensive evaluation, I have determined that our football program needs to move in a new direction.”
 
Ianello was 2-22 during his two-year tenure, including a 1-15 mark in the Mid-American Conference.
 
A national search for Ianello’s replacement will be conducted immediately.

University of Akron head football Rob Ianello admits that his team had a 'jump' in their step when they resumed practice earlier this week.

That 'jump' followed their 36-13 victory over VMI Saturday at InfoCision Stadium.

This coming Saturday, the Zips jump back into Mid-American Conference play at Eastern Michigan.

With eight games remaining in the season, Ianello hopes that his players look forward to the remainder of this season and not the 2012 campaign.

Akron has been getting solid offensive production from two players, running back Jawon Chisolm and wide receiver Keith Sconiers. Chisolm ran for 188 yards and one touchdown in the VMI win. Sconiers caught 8 passes for `54 yards and two touchdowns.

Eastern Michigan has victories over Howard and Alabama State this season and losses to Michigan and Penn State.

Sophomore transfer Clayton Moore has been named starting quarterback for The University of Akron football team, second-year head coach Rob Ianello announced on Tuesday prior to the squad’s afternoon practice at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Moore enrolled at the University in January after spending the 2010 season at Gulf Coast Community College. He hails from Louisville, Miss. (Louisville High School) and originally walked on at Mississippi in 2009. At Gulf Coast, he completed 155-of-257 passes for 2,395 yards and 23 touchdowns, while leading the Bulldogs to the JUCO state championship.

“We had great competition during training camp at many positions, and especially the quarterback position,” Ianello said. “As I have stated several times, our quarterback position is currently stronger and has more depth than at any time in the past 20 months. I expect all of our quarterbacks to continue to improve and provide leadership for our team. During training camp Clayton demonstrated the ability to make good decisions and he completed passes at a high percentage. We have great confidence in his ability to manage our offense at a high level.”

Akron opens the season at Ohio State on Sept. 3. The matchup with the Buckeyes kicks off at noon ET and will be televised on ESPN.