Washington Announces Willingham Will Be Replaced

Two days after the Washington Huskies fell to 0-7, Athletic Director Scott Woodward sat next to Tyrone Willingham at the coach's weekly news conference yesterday and announced Willingham will be replaced after the season.

A move that seemed seasons in the making was actually days in the making. University President Mark Emmert said Willingham was told a change would be made after the Huskies lost to Oregon State on Oct. 18.

"Scott and Tyrone were talking about the best ways to handle it, what the timing could be or should be and just working on details of the transition," Emmert said. "There wasn't anything particularly strategic about it."

When asked if it was his decision to leave, Willingham said, flatly, no and added he never considered resigning.

Willingham was under fire for failing to restore Washington to national prominence. He's 11-32 overall in his four seasons. The Huskies visit No. 7 USC on Saturday.

With a year left on his contract, Willingham will receive a $1 million buyout.

· PRO BASKETBALL: Rookie Patrick Ewing Jr. of Georgetown was waived by the New York Knicks, who got down to the 15-player limit by cutting the son of their career scoring leader.

· TENNIS: Two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin lost to Juan Monaco in the first round of the Paris Masters and is considering retirement.

Safin, a former top-ranked player, wants a long break before making a decision.

"Just couldn't find my rhythm and couldn't find the game," the 28-year-old Russian said. "I need to think everything through."