The news that Colorado is getting rid of Gary Barnett won't shock anybody. But, the reason why is certainly unexpected.

The Denver Post reported Wednesday that Barnett will not be retained, citing a source who said the Buffaloes' recent struggles on the field cemented the coach's demise.

Barnett has survived a series of off-the-field problems and scandals in his seven years at CU, but an ugly three-game losing streak was apparently too much to overcome. The Buffs have been outscored 130-22 by Iowa State, Nebraska and Texas.

The Longhorns' 70-3 route in the Big 12 title game Saturday in Houston was the final blow. The Longhorns scored all of their points in the first three quarters and it was the third-worst loss in school history.

Even after a 30-3 loss to the rival Huskers at home, CU athletic director Mike Bohn was in support of giving Barnett a contract extension. But, Tuesday night while in New York on a business trip, he would not comment about the coach's future. He is expected to speak with Barnett after returning to Boulder today. He will probably remove the coach before CU faces Clemson (7-4) in the Champs Sports Bowl Bowl in Orlando Dec. 27.

Barnett went 49-38 at CU and led the Buffs to four of the last five Big 12 North titles. The Buffs started this season 7-2.

But, he will be most remembered for the infamous comments about former kicker Katie Hnida in 2004. After she accused former teammates of rape, he commented on her kicking ability by saying, "she was a girl, and not only was she a girl, she was terrible." Several other women made similar allegations against players and recruits.

Barnett was placed on administrative leave soon after the comments and the program was placed on severe recruiting restrictions. He was later re-instated. But, former athletic director Dick Tharp along with the school president and chancellor would all resign in the following months.

According to a source at the school, the search for his replacement has already begun. The candidates include Detroit Lions coach Steve Mariucci, former Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis, Auburn defensive coordinator David Gibbs, Miami defensive coordinator Randy Shannon, Tulsa head coach Steve Kragthorpe and UCLA assistant Jon Embree, who played at Colorado and worked on Barnett's staff.

The school's current recruiting limitations and Barnett's inability to land top prospects may hurt the interest level in the job. The Buffs' last two classes have come in at No. 49 and No. 43 in Rivals.com's team recruiting rankings in 2004 and 2005. The 2006 class will likely be worse. Out of the 10 seniors that Barnett and his staff have received commitments from, only one is ranked above two-stars.