ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan fired coach Rich Rodriguez today, ending a disappointing three-year tenured marred by too many losses and NCAA violations at college football’s winningest program.

Rodriguez is a former coach at West Virginia University.

Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon announced the decision after meeting with Rodriguez on Tuesday and again this morning.

“I have completed a systematic and thorough review of our football program and believe that a change in leadership is necessary,” Brandon said. “We have not achieved at the level that I expect.”

Rodriguez was 6-18 in Big Ten play and went 11-11 at home.

Brandon said he will immediately begin a national search for a replacement.

Rodriguez, who was the head coach at West Virginia when he was lured to Ann Arbor, finishes 15-22 at Michigan. The school can buy out the final three years of his contract for $2.5 million.

Rodriguez was not immediately available for comment.