BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) -Western Kentucky has fired head coach David Elson, though he will finish out the remainder of the season.

The Hilltoppers are 0-9 this season and have lost 17 straight games, the longest active losing streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Athletic director Wood Selig says an across the board evaluation of the program led to the decision.

Elson is 39-41 in seven seasons with the Hilltoppers, who are in their first year as a member of the FBS. He will receive a $500,000 buyout. He said in a statement that he disagrees with the decision.

Selig says the search has already begun for Elson's replacement and he hopes to have one in place soon.