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Steve Fairchild became the head coach of the Colorado St. Rams back in 2008 taking over for the legendary Sonny Lubick, and Fairchild's first year was a success as he led Colorado State to a New Mexico Bowl victory finishing 7-6. That was the only good year for Colorado State, from 2009-11 Fairchild's record has been the same each year at 3-9.
This is being reported by multiple outlets as is that this is a house cleaning as none of the assistants are expected to be retained, and here is a quote from Fairchild:
"I would like to thank Colorado State University for giving me the opportunity to come back and serve as head football coach," Fairchild said in a statement. "I would also like to thank all the players that I have had the opportunity to coach, as well as the coaching staff. Their hard work and commitment is greatly appreciated.
"We have made some great strides over the last four years, both on and off the field, and I feel the program is ready to take a major step forward. With approximately 19 starters returning for the 2012 season, I regret not having the opportunity to see the process through.
"However, I realize that college football is a bottom-line business, and I knew when I was hired that I would be ultimately judged by wins and losses."
The writing was on the wall about Fairchild being let go since on Friday Colorado State hired former Ram quarterback Jack Graham as the new athletic director.
This year was a chance for Fairchild to have a good season as their front half of the schedule had them facing winnable games and the Rams did not do that. The first part of the schedule was New Mexico, Northern Colorado, Colorado, Utah State, San Jose State, Boise State, UTEP and UNLV. Out of that start Colorado State should have had gone 6-2 or even 7-1, but instead went 3-5 during that stretch.
Fairchild was to bring in his experience from the NFL where he was the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, but his offense never took off and was extremely conservative. Even when he lande four-star quarterback Pete Thomas he let him start in his first year, but did not let him throw the ball down field and only threw various screens and quick passes. Even this past year the offense barely opened up and the same results occurred.
Letting go of Fairchild was the only choice because 2012 would be the last year of his contract and it would be extremely tough to recruit and keep players as a lame duck coach.
Overall, Fairchild finishes his career at Colorado State with a 16-33 record, including a 7-24 record against Mountain West opponents.
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