AMES, IA - NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Paul Rhoads of the Iowa State Cyclones coaches from the sidelines in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on November 14, 2015 in Ames, Iowa. The Oklahoma State Cowboys defeated Iowa State 35-31.(Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
Blowing a big lead proved to be the final strike against Iowa State Cyclones coach Paul Rhoads.
On Saturday, his team led Kansas 35-14 at the half; when the final whistle had blown the Jayhawks had won 38-35. He was informed of the decision on Sunday morning and will coach the final game of the season against West Virginia before being relieved of his duties.
Rhoads’ time at Iowa State was a mixed bag. He posted a record of 32-54, but led the Cyclones to marquee wins over Nebraska, TCU, and a second-ranked Oklahoma team during his tenure. He also took the school to three bowl games in his first four seasons; their 2009 Insight Bowl victory was the school’s first bowl win since 2004. His past three years have been bleak, though, with only winning a total of seven games, four of which were in conference play.
Rhoads was also popular with Iowa State fans. His intense demeanor and post game speeches became iconic around Ames.
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His popularity did not extend to Mark Mangino, who Rhoads fired in October; the former offensive coordinator shared his feelings about his former boss’ firing on Twitter.
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