Lambright Is Fired as Washington Coach

Jim Lambright, who spent 35 years as a player, assistant and coach at Washington, was fired Wednesday after the Huskies failed to post a winning record for the first time in 22 years.

Athletic Director Barbara Hedges said that she alone made the decision to fire Lambright, 57, and his staff.

Lambright said he believed Hedges was pressured into firing him by Washington alumni and boosters.

“I was warned two weeks ago that there would be a meeting,” said Lambright, 44-25-1 in six seasons. “I’m not going to give you any pat, Pollyanna answers, but I was warned and it came to pass and it happened very quickly.”

Air Force beat Washington, 45-25, in the Oahu Bowl, leaving the Huskies with a 6-6 record, the first season since 1976 without a winning mark.