Danny Hope vowed at Big Ten Media Days in July that this was his best Purdue team yet. He raved about his talented roster and high expectations, and early in the season he seemed to be on track as the Boilermakers pushed now-No. 1 Notre Dame to the brink.

That was two months and five losses ago.

Now, Purdue is cutting ties with the fourth-year head coach. The school announced Hope's firing Sunday afternoon and will hold a news conference Sunday at 5:30 p.m. (CT).

The Boilermakers clinched a bowl appearance Saturday with a 56-35 win over in-state rival Indiana. Hope will finish with a 21-27 career record at Purdue.

Purdue started this season 3-1, the one blemish a three-point loss to Notre Dame, but it has since limped to a 3-5 record. Purdue opened Big Ten play with five straight losses before rattling off three straight wins to somewhat salvage the season.

The Boilermakers are still bowl eligible and will find out their postseason destination next week. Wide receivers coach Patrick Higgins is expected to serve as Purdue's interim coach in the bowl game.