UC fires coach after two seasons
The University of Cincinnati fired head men’s basketball coach John Brannen on Friday and announced Tim Morris will serve as interim coach as it conducts a national search for a new head coach.
Brannen was 32-21 in two seasons with the Cincinnati Bearcats. The 12-11 record in 2020-21 was the program’s worst since it was 13-19 in 2007-08, Mick Cronin’s second season.
“The decision to move in a new direction comes after a thorough review of our program, which included conversations with student-athletes, coaches and staff, as well as with coach Brannen,” Athletic Director John Cunningham said in a statement. “Ultimately, the university is acting in the best interests of our student-athletes and of the institution, and this decision is reflective of our commitment to both, as well as to our values that we hold dear.
“As this is a personnel matter, we are unable to provide further details of the program review or the decision. We will work quickly but judiciously in finding a new head coach. With a passionate fan base, strong tradition and history, elite facilities, and a collective commitment to success, we are confident that we will have a deep pool of candidates. We will continue to engage with and support our student-athletes during this transition. Thank you for your patience. We look forward to cheering on the Bearcats together in Fifth Third Arena next season.”
UC announced March 26 it would begin a review of allegations related to the program. That news came after six players entered the transfer portal in a three-day stretch in March after Cincinnati’s season ended with a 91-54 loss to Houston in the American Athletic Conference championship game.
UC’s decision also affects Brannen’s coaching staff. According to a report by Justin Williams, of The Athletic, Jayson Gee and Sean Dwyer are no longer with the program.
Gee is a Springfield native who was Clark County’s Mr. Basketball in 1984 as a senior at South High School when he helped lead the Wildcats to a 20-0 regular season. He previously was an assistant coach at Winthrop. He was a head coach at his alma mater, the University of Charleston.