Sports Illustrating is reporting that UAB will announce a decision to shut down its football program.

According to the report, the school made the decision after a year-long study into all areas of the university to create a strategic plan moving forward. With rumors swirling throughout November that the football team might be shut down, former and current players have fought to save the program.

Thayer Evans broke the news on Sunday afternoon taht the athletic director would be fired as well

UAB began its football program in 1991 and has compiled a 117-150-2 record during that time. Some people have blamed the ineptitude on a lack of support by The Board of Trustees for The University of Alabama, who prevented the school from hiring LSU assistant Jimbo Fisher to replace Watson Brown in 2006.

The Blazers, instead, hired Neil Callaway and he led the school to an 18-42 record, while Jimbo Fisher went on to win a national championship with Florida State.

But there were some bright moments during the program's short existence. The school produced six NFL players, including Atlanta wide receiver Roddy White. Even this season has generated some positive momentum. First-year head coach Bill Clark has guided UAB to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2004 after a win over Southern Miss this weekend.

But it appears any remaining hope for a program situated in the heart of the country's most passionate college football city is over.

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