Three college basketball head coaches - one men's coach, two women's coaches - have been fired before the start of March Madness.
On Tuesday, March 3, Tennessee Tech coach John Pelphrey became the third head coach to be fired. He's been ousted on the verge of March Madness, after seven seasons with the program. Tennessee Tech is 13-18 on the season.
"We thank John for his service and commitment to our men's basketball program. We felt it was the right time for a leadership change and a refocus for the men's basketball program. We wish John and his family the best moving forward," said Casey Fox, Director of Athletics at Tennessee Tech University.
Pelphrey went 79–138 during his seven seasons leading the Golden Eagles.
Pelphrey is the third head coach to be fired this week.
Previously, Rutgers fired head coach Coquese Washington on Monday. The Scarlet Knights finished in last place in the Big Ten this season and ended the year on an 11-game losing streak.
“Rutgers women’s basketball has a proud and storied history of success and there is no reason why our program cannot return to its place among the nation’s elite,” athletic director Keli Zinn said in a release. “We have invested in women’s basketball in many ways, we compete in the best athletic conference in the country, and we are supported by passionate fans and loyal donors. I am confident we will find the right coach who can elevate this program to where it belongs. I want to thank Coquese for her service to Rutgers and wish her the best.”
Washington had led the program for four seasons.
Boston College also made a coaching change, firing head women's basketball coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee. She was let go following a season-ending 90-65 loss at Syracuse on Sunday.
"It is simply time for a change and we wish Joanna and her family the very best in the future,” Boston College athletic director Blake James said in a statement. “We take great pride in the variety of sports we sponsor, including our women's teams, and we have a lot already in place to attract a strong candidate pool.”
Some conference tournaments are scheduled to begin as soon as this week.
March Madness is upon us, though these three coaches won't be competing.