Colorado reportedly parting ways with Mike MacIntyre

Colorado Buffaloes coach Mike MacIntyre will reportedly not be returning for the 2019 season, according to Troy Renck of Denver Channel 7.

UPDATED- 12:04 p.m. MT: The University of Colorado released a statement on behalf of athletic director Rick George saying, “We do not comment on speculation or unsubstantiated rumors with anonymous sources. Let me just say I have made no decisions regarding the future of the football program. ... As I’ve stated in the past, we continually evaluate all aspects of all of our 17 intercollegiate sport programs.”

MacIntyre addressed his status during the weekly Pac-12 coaches teleconference saying, “From what I understand it’s false news. Last time I talked to Rick (George) was two weeks ago and he 100 percent backed me on everything we’re doing, and likes where we’re headed. That’s all I know. I got a phone call from my son who goes to school at Chapman University in California at midnight last night and said he saw something. That’s all I know about it.”

MacIntyre followed up by saying he plans to meet with George this afternoon.

UPDATED- 10:35 a.m. MT: Brian Howell of Daily Camera has reported that his source told him Renck’s report is not true. Other media members such as Bruce Feldman have said the coaching staff has not been notified of any decision.

The report of MacIntyre's departure comes with two games left in the season after leading the Buffs to a 5-5 record. The Buffs started the season 5-0 and were ranked as high as 19th in AP Poll, but they have since endured a five-game losing streak as the team has struggled with game-planning and injuries. The losing streak hit a low when Colorado blew a 31-point halftime lead to Oregon State. Two weeks later, fans were visibly upset after an uninspired effort in the most recent loss to Washington State.

MacIntyre’s buyout is estimated to be over $11 million, per his contract stipulations. He agreed to a four-year, $16.25 million extension in June following a unanimous decision by CU’s Board of Regents. He received that extension after leading the Buffaloes to a 10-2 regular season, which won the Pac-12 South division and earned the team a spot in the Alamo Bowl, Colorado’s first bowl appearance since 2007. MacIntyre won National Coach of the Year for what seemed like a miraculous turnaround.

After signing that extension, MacIntyre struggled to bring Colorado back to prominence. It’s uncertain exactly why, but even with sparkling recruiting classes and NFL-caliber talent, the Buffs have been unable to replicate sustainable on-field success. Perhaps Colorado administration saw a lack of focus and consistency that could be pegged on the coaching staff.

MacIntyte has gone 30-43 during the course of the past six years, and 14-38 in the Pac-12. The Buffs have finished dead last in the Pac-12 South in four of the five previous years under MacIntyre, and they’re currently fifth place with games left against Utah and at California. MacIntyre will look lead the Buffs out of the basement in his two final games at Colorado.

It is still uncertain who Colorado will target to be the next head coach. It is also to be seen how much of the current coaching staff will remain on hand following MacIntyre’s departure.

This story is developing and will be updated.