Tubby Smith Fired, Minnesota Gophers Coach Fired After NCAA Loss
After six seasons coaching the Big Ten's Minnesota Golden Gophers, Tubby Smith was fired on Monday.
After a 78-64 March Madness game loss to the Florida Gators on Sunday, the Golden Gophers athletic director Norwood Teague said it was time for the program to get a "fresh set of eyes," according to The Associated Press.
Teague said of Smith, "Tubby has had a long and distinguished career and we feel it's time for a fresh set of eyes for our student-athletes and our program in general. We are grateful to Tubby and his entire staff for their hard work and dedication to this university, our students and the entire Minnesota community."
Athletic director Teague came to Minnesota from Virginia Commonwealth University, which has made headlines in the NCAA Tournament with star player Shaka Smart.
Potential replacements for Smith include former NBA Minnesota Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders, Jay Wright of Villanova and Buzz Williams of Marquette.
Smith started at Minnesota in 2007 after leaving Kentucky, an NCAA men's basketball powerhouse. His record at Minnesota was 124-81 wins.
According to the AP, Smith said in a statement, "Our staff did things the right way and will leave knowing that the program is in far better shape than when we arrived."
The Golden Gophers's record was 21-13 overall and 8-10 in the Big Ten.
