By ADAM ZAGORIA
Citing an “ongoing NCAA investigation” UConn has fired head coach Kevin Ollie with cause and says it will conduct a “national search” for his replacement.
Ollie went 14-18 this season, 7-11 in the American Athletic Conference. In five years at the school, he went 127-79, winning the NCAA championship in 2014.
A dismal performance this season combined with the NCAA investigation in January led to Ollie’s downfall. Jeff Jacobs of the Hartford Courant previously reported Ollie’s contract can be voided if NCAA violations are found.
“The University of Connecticut has initiated disciplinary procedures to terminate the employment of Head Men’s Basketball Coach Kevin Ollie for just cause,” the school said in a release. “The University will have no further comment on the matter until the completion of both the University’s disciplinary process and the ongoing NCAA investigation.”
It’s been downhill at UConn since 2014. pic.twitter.com/SKgcSiPGZ1
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 10, 2018
Said University of Connecticut President Susan Herbst:
“The men’s basketball program has a proud history and a tradition of excellence. Our goal, above all, is to ensure we have a program that UConn Nation can be proud of, including our students, alumni, fans, and all our committed supporters.”
Said Director of Athletics David Benedict:
“It is unfortunate that this decision became necessary. As with all of our programs, we hold men’s basketball to the highest standards. We will begin a national search immediately to identify our next head coach.”
Expect Rhode Island coach Dan Hurley, whose team won the Atlantic 10 regular-season title, figures to be among those in the mix to replace Ollie. Hurley turned down Rutgers two years ago because he didn’t want another rebuilding effort and was tight with EC Matthews and the Rhody guys. UConn wouldn’t be a rebuilding job as much as trying to restore the program to former glory.
UConn joins Pittsburgh among major college openings at this stage.
Again, Dan Hurley will be very popular on the Coaching Carousel in the coming weeks. pic.twitter.com/vkGERJfbIz
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) March 10, 2018
UConn has three recruits signed for 2018 in guards James Akinjo and Emmitt Matthews Jr., along with big man Lukas Kisunas. Akinjo has already expressed a desire to re-open his recruitment.
Due to the most recent news of Kevin Ollie getting fired James Akinjo will be decommitting from the university of Connecticut an reopening his recruiting!! we would like to thank coach Kevin Ollie for the opportunity
— MAXX_1OF1 (@MaxxUpdated) March 10, 2018
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