The UConn Huskies announced they have fired head basketball coach Kevin Ollie for "just cause" due to the pending NCAA investigation into potential recruiting violations.
“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.”
The NCAA started investigating the UConn program earlier this year. It's unclear how serious the potential violations are and the investigation does not appear to be linked to the ongoing FBI probe into corruption and bribery in college basketball.
There is no buyout in Ollie's contract, but he is owed $3.5 million per year for the next three years. However, since he is being fired for cause, the school likely doesn't owe him anything.
Ollie began the season on the hot seat with sources telling me early in the season that he needed to make the NCAA Tournament to save his job.
UConn finished the season with a 14-18 record, including just a 7-11 mark in AAC play. Ollie posted a measly 75-61 record - with only one NCAA Tournament appearance - since winning the national championship in 2014.
“The men’s basketball program has a proud history and a tradition of excellence," school president Susan Herbst said in a statement. "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.”
UConn is the second major college opening, joining Pitt, who fired head coach Kevin Stallings just a few days ago.
The Huskies are expected to pursue Rhode Island's Dan Hurley for the vacant position along with several other potential candidates.
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