University of Alabama-Birmingham to close football program?

Multiple media sources are reporting that the University of Alabama-Birmingham is preparing to shut down its football program, possibly this week, as the athletic director is expected to be fired as well.

“I think it’s going to happen,” said Head Coach Bill Clark, “Unless something changes before the weekend ends, I think it’s over. I think the odds are very high it ends this week. To shut the doors? That’s sad.”

The announcement is expected to be no later than Thursday. UAB is undergoing a university-wide comprehensive strategic planning study that included an evaluation of the financial viability of football.

The last NCAA Division 1, FBS school that dropped football was Pacific back in 1995.

UAB started it's football program in 1991 as an NCAA Division III school. This speculation comes as the Blazers beat Southern Mississippi 45-24 last Saturday night, and become bowl-eligible for the first time since 2004.