Oxford, MS -- (Sports Network) - Ole Miss has fired head football coach Ed Orgeron.

Athletic director Pete Boone made the announcement Saturday afternoon, just one day after the Rebels dropped a 17-14 decision at Mississippi State to complete a 3-9 campaign.

"Chancellor (Robert) Khayat and I met with coach Orgeron this morning," said Boone in a release. "We thanked him for his tremendous work ethic, the energy and the commitment he gave Ole Miss.

"Coach Orgeron has made strides in many areas as a head coach, but after a total assessment of the year, we believe the program needs to move in a different direction to accomplish the goals of Ole Miss football."

Ole Miss blew a 14-point lead on Friday and watched its arch-rival rally for 17 points in the fourth quarter. The Rebels finished 0-8 in the SEC, marking the first winless conference season for the school since 1982.

"It was not any one moment in time that this decision was made," said Boone in a press conference Saturday. "While progress had been made, it was not enough to move forward."

Orgeron completed his three-year tenure with a 10-25 mark, including just 3-21 in SEC play. He was given a two-year contract extension in January.