UConn fires Ollie after six seasons
The University of Connecticut fired men’s basketball coach Kevin Ollie on Saturday with the program under NCAA investigation and the Huskies having completed their second straight losing season.
In a release, UConn said it has “initiated disciplinary procedures” to dismiss Ollie for “just cause.” The school said it would have no further comment until its disciplinary process and the ongoing NCAA inquiry are complete. The scope of the investigation is not clear.
“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 president Susan Herbst said.
The dismissal came four years after Oillie led the Huskies to the NCAA title. Athletic director David Benedict said it was “unfortunate that this decision became necessary.” He added the team must be held to the “highest standards” and said a search for a new coach would begin immediately.
Ollie was in the second year of a five-year deal valued at $17.9 million that was signed amid reports he was a candidate for several NBA jobs. He is not owed the remainder of his contract if fired for just cause, which would include committing serious NCAA violations.
Ollie has been at UConn for eight years, the past six as head coach. He was an assistant under Hall of Famer Jim Calhoun when UConn won the 2011 NCAA title, and Calhoun picked Ollie to succeed him when he retired in September 2012.
The Huskies went 14-18 this season, including 7-11 in the American Athletic Conference. Ollie’s career record at UConn was 127-79.
He played point guard for Calhoun from 1991 to ’95 and spent 13 seasons in the NBA before joining the coaching ranks.