Iowa State University Athletic Director Jamie Pollard announced the firing of head men’s basketball coach Wayne Morgan today. The firing comes after the Cyclones went on a late season skid — losing seven of their last 10 games and failing to make it into the NCAA or NIT tournament. Pollard says the lack of a post-season tournament bid contributed to the decision to fire Morgan, but says it was not the only reason.
Pollard says, “During the past six months, I have had the opportunity to fully assess the overall direction of the men’s basketball program, and I do not believe our current coaching staff can sustain the level of performance required for our athletic program to achieve its goals.”
Pollard says that recent concerns regarding the scheduling practices of men’s basketball games were not the reason for the change, but “the negative national publicity contributed to the timing of the decision.”
I-S-U owes Morgan one-point-five million dollars for two guaranteed years of his contract. Pollard says no taxpayer dollars will be used to pay Morgan. Pollard says the money will come from athletic department reserves. Morgan had a record of 55-39 in three years. Pollard says they’ll hold a national search for a new coach.