Report: Travis Ford in OSU hot seat

— -- The Oklahoma State Cowboys are considering the possibility of firing coach Travis Ford after being ousted in the first round of the NCAA tournament for the third straight year, The Oklahoman has reported, citing multiple unnamed sources.

The move would trigger a buyout worth at least $9.6 million, according to the Oklahoma newspaper, which reported the amount as the remainder of Ford's contract. 

But a push from boosters has athletic director Mike Holder at least examining the possibility, according to the report.

Ford, 45, received a four-year contract extension in 2009 designed to keep him through 2019.

The 10-year contract called for Ford to receive $1.8 million in its first season and then get incremental raises that would push his salary to $2.8 million over the final four years of the contract.

Oklahoma State ended the season with seven losses in its last eight games, finishing 18-14 overall and 8-10 in the Big 12.

The Cowboys lost their first-round game of the NCAA tournament to the  Oregon Ducks, 79-73.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.