LAS VEGAS -- UNLV football coach Mike Sanford will not be head coach for a sixth season.

The announcement was made Sunday night by the university's president that Sanford's contract will be terminated.

"Regretfully, and with the utmost respect for the time and effort he has devoted to the football team, we agree this action is needed at this time," UNLV President Neal Smatresk said.

The coach's dismissal is effective Dec. 5.

Saturday's 45-17 loss at Air Force sealed Sanford's fate. With it, the Rebels were eliminated from bowl eligibility for the fifth time in Sanford's five seasons.

After a promising 2-1 start to the season, the Rebels dropped four straight games, including embarrassments to the University of Nevada, Reno and Brigham Young University of more than 30 points in each game.

When he was hired five years ago, Sanford vowed to turn UNLV into a top 25 program, which never happened. The administration let the coach go after compiling a 15-43 record.