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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — University of Alabama Birmingham President Ray Watts announced on Monday the football program has been saved.

Watts told The Associated Press that he decided to reverse the earlier decision after meetings with UAB supporters continued through the weekend.

He said donors pledged to make up the estimated $17.2 million deficit over the next five years if the football program was restored.

Watts was scheduled to announce the decision to reinstate football, bowling and rifle in 2016 later Monday.

Watts said they have dropped an indoor practice facility from that equation, but are still raising about $13 million toward a turf practice field and new fieldhouse.

Without football, UAB would likely not have remained in Conference USA.

Watts cut the programs last December after UAB commissioned a report that said it would cost $49 million over five years to field a competitive program.

The video of the announcement and the reaction of the football players quickly hit the internet and went viral.

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