Kevin Barbay fired: Why was Houston OC dismissed? 

The Houston Cougars' offense under offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay has struggled this season. The Cougars rank last in the FBS in scoring offense averaging only 13.6 points per game.

On Monday, the Cougars released a statement announcing the firing of Barbay and coach Willie Fritz explaining why the offensive coordinator was dismissed before the season ended.

“Willie Fritz announced a coaching change Tuesday. Offensive Coordinator Kevin Barbay has been relieved of his duties,” the statement read. “Shawn Bell has been named Interim Offensive Coordinator and play caller. We are grateful to Kevin for his dedication and contributions to our football program this season.

"As we continue to assess every aspect of our program, it is clear we have not met our offensive standards. Kevin and his family have been wonderful members of our community, and we wish them nothing but success in the future. Our focus is on finishing the season strong Saturday against BYU. A national search for our next Offensive Coordinator will begin immediately.”

Under Kevin Barbay who joined the team from the Mississippi State Bulldogs at the beginning of the year, the Cougars were dead last in the Big 12 in passing offense, yards per play and total offense.

Furthermore, the Cougars averaged only 291.5 overall yards and 282.9 yards in conference play and are among just seven FBS sides averaging fewer than 300 yards per game this season.

Houston ensured a losing season after a 20-10 loss to the Baylor Bears in Week 13 of college football action. The game against Baylor was the fourth game that the Cougars did not score a touchdown after failing to notch against the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Iowa State Cyclones earlier in the season.

Kevin Barbay made a controversial mid-season change

Kevin Barbay made the controversial midseason decision to change quarterback from starter Donovan Smith to Zeon Chriss which led to a slight improvement in wins against the Kansas State Wildcats, the Utah Utes and the TCU Horned Frogs before slumping to losses over the Arizona Wildcats and Baylor Bears.

Barbay's duties will be taken over by quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Shawn Bell. With one year remaining in his contract, Barbay will be owed $750,000 by the Cougars.

Kevin Barbay left the Houston Cougars with a 4-7 overall record (3-5 Big 12) with one fixture against the high-flying BYU Cougars remaining to close out the underwhelming season.