KU Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger is out.

On Monday, Chancellor Douglas Girod met with Zenger that morning and relieved him of his duties, effective immediately, the University of Kansas said in a release.

Explaining the move, Girod said, while Zenger "has been a loyal Jayhawk" and the department improved since he took over in 2011, the athletics department "continues to face a number of challenges, and progress in key areas has been elusive."

"To achieve the level of success we need and expect, a change in leadership is necessary," he added.

Deputy Athletics Director Sean Lester will take over Zenger's responsibilities as interim director.

"I have spoken with Sean about my expectations for the coming months," Girod said. "I am confident he will provide sound leadership and stability during this transition."

KU says they have already begun the process of looking for Zenger's replacement and has enlisted former interim director Drue Jennings to lead the efforts. The statement noted Jennings also headed up the searches that brought men's basketball head coach Bill Self and former Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little to the University.

“Drue is one of our most respected and accomplished alumni, and he has a proven record of identifying talented leaders,” Girod said

Because Zenger was fired "without cause," he will still be paid his $700,000 salary for the next two years, plus health insurance premiums, costing the school a total of $1,419,309.

Girod posted