AMHERST, Mass. — Massachusetts has fired coach Charley Molnar after a 2-22 record in the program's first two seasons in the Bowl Subdivision.

Director of Athletics John McCutcheon announced Thursday that a search for a new coach will begin immediately.

McCutcheon said Molnar has three years remaining on this contract for approximately $836,000.

Molnar, a former offensive coordinator at Notre Dame, was hired in 2012 when the Minutemen joined the Mid-American Conference and the Football Bowl Subdivision.

McCutcheon said in a statement that "It has become clear ... that we must improve our performance in several areas and move in a new direction to ensure success in the FBS."

Molnar went 1-11 in first year, but expected improvement in his second year never materialized and the team posted another 1-11 record.