KU’s Beaty reflective in first interview after firing: ‘We haven’t won enough games’

Kansas football coach David Beaty shared an optimistic tone in his first public comments following Sunday’s firing, saying he was glad to be able to finish out the final three games with his team.

Beaty also was reflective and straightforward when reflecting on his four-year tenure that has included a 6-39 record.

“We haven’t won enough games. And at the end of the day, it’s a production business on wins and losses. That’s a measuring tool that you can’t escape,” Beaty said during Monday’s Big 12 teleconference. “You’ve got to be able to win games, and I get it.”

Beaty said he received a mid-morning call Sunday from athletic director Jeff Long, with the two agreeing to meet at noon. It was then, Beaty said, that Long told him that he would not be retained after the season ended.

The coach first became aware of social-media speculation surrounding his job on Saturday night following KU’s 27-3 home loss to Iowa State. He said players started reaching out to him then to ask about the situation.

“I think it was tougher on my players and my family than it was me,” Beaty said. “We as coaches are conditioned to understand the way of the world when it comes to our game.”

For his part, Beaty said his lame-duck status won’t influence how he coaches the final three games. He said he owed it to his team to give his best.

“It won’t be difficult at all (to stay motivated), because I’ve got such a wonderful group of guys, group of men,” Beaty said. “I’ve said it before: The best thing about our team is the men on it.”

One big goal that’s left? Beating rival Kansas State, which opened as a 12-point favorite for Saturday’s 11 a.m. contest in Manhattan.

Beaty spoke glowingly of K-State coach Bill Snyder on Monday, calling him “the best to ever do it.”

“Just the ability to line up across from him on four separate occasions, it’s a pleasure,” Beaty said. “I’ve learned a lot from the man.”

Beaty will have one last opportunity against him Saturday in what will serve as the start of his own KU curtain call.

“From a personal level, am I upset I won’t be with these guys and this great university? Absolutely,” Beaty said. “But it’s the way of the world. I get it and we understand it.

“I’m just going to enjoy every minute of the next three weeks.”

Jesse Newell

Jesse Newell covers University of Kansas athletics for The Star.