KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Head football coach Bill Cubit was released from the remaining year of his contract on Saturday night, according to the Western Michigan University Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.

"I want to thank Coach Cubit for his years of service and recognize the work he and all of his assistants have done over the years in support of our student-athletes," said WMU Director of Athletics Kathy Beauregard.  I also want to thank Nancy and the entire Cubit family for what they have meant to this community."

"Although this is a time of transition, the expectations of our department remain the same.  Our vision and mission is winning division and conference titles and growing our number of postseason bowls.  We continue to value student-athlete success academically and expect them to be great citizens in this community."

Under Cubit's leadership, Western Michigan made the biggest one-year turn around in Mid-American Conference history in 2005. His teams defeated teams from BCS AQ conferences in five different seasons and participated in three of the program's five postseason bowl games. 

Off the field, Cubit's teams boasted five Capital One Academic All-Americans, established a new standard in team GPA four times over and elevated the program to the highest APR in the MAC.  Most recently, the program saw former student-athlete Mitch Zajac become a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

Cubit ends his tenure with the fifth most wins in WMU history and second most MAC wins in program history.  In addition, he coached six National Football League draft selections.  Cubit served as the Broncos' head coach from 2005 through 2012.  He previously served as the program's offensive coordinator from 1997-99.

A national search for the program's 15th head coach will begin immediately.