Colorado decided on Sunday it was time to make a coaching change. The program officially dismissed head coach Karl Dorrell after an 0-5 start to the season and a 43-20 loss to Arizona. When CU Chancellor Philip DiStefano met with reporters to discuss the decision, he expressed confidence that CU would not pay the full $8.7 million buyout that is owed to Dorrell per the terms of his contract.

Dorrell’s contract — which runs through Dec. 31, 2024 — entitles him to the entirety of his remaining salary, but if he were to find another job in the next two years, whatever that new salary might be would reduce the amount CU owes him.

The Buffs also fired defensive coordinator Chris Wilson and named offensive coordinator Mike Sanford the interim head coach. Depending on who the Buffs decide to name as the next permanent head coach, CU could be on the hook for roughly $13 million if the entire staff is dismissed, per BuffZone’s Brian Howell.

Dorrell was hired in 2020 after Mel Tucker abruptly left to take the Michigan State job. Dorrell took over the program later in the year than most and then had to work through all of the challenges presented by COVID-19. Still, he managed to help the Buffs to a 4-0 start to the 2020 season and won the Pac-12’s Coach of the Year award for his efforts.

The program is 4-15 since. Among the losses, 14 have come by at least 15 points. CU is scheduled to play California next, on Oct. 15 at home.