SEE EW’ SOON?
Thompson's firing could open door for legend's return to coach Hoyas
Big John couldn’t protect his son any longer.
On Thursday, Georgetown announced the firing of John Thompson III after 13 years as head coach, following the Hoyas’ second straight losing season, which marked the program’s first consecutive sub-.500 seasons since the 27-year tenure of his father, John Jr., began in 1972.
Forever in the shadow of the Hall of Fame coach, who remains a constant presence and powerful voice on campus after making Georgetown a national power — leading the school to the 1984 national championship, along with appearances in two other national title games — Thompson, 51, led Georgetown to eight NCAA Tournament appearances, including the 2007 Final Four. But the Hoyas have failed to advanced past the second round since, and were left out of the field completely in three of the past four years.
University President John DeGioia said a national search is underway for Thompson’s replacement, a field that could include the school’s most famous former player — Patrick Ewing — in a move that would mirror Chris Mullin’s recent hiring at Big East rival St. John’s.
The Hall of Fame center, who led the Hoyas to three Final Fours and a national title, has been an NBA assistant coach — currently with the Charlotte Hornets — since retiring as a player in 2002, but Ewing has been unable to land the head-coaching gig he has long desired.
Other candidates could include recently fired Indiana coach Tom Crean and Harvard coach Tommy Amaker.
A new era will begin at Georgetown, potentially marking the first time since John Jr. was hired that a Thompson or Thompson disciple — longtime assistant Craig Esherick led the program in the six seasons between father and son — isn’t the head coach.
“Our tradition of excellence will forever be inextricably linked with John and his family,” DeGioia said in a statement. “We are committed to taking the necessary steps to strengthen our program and maintaining the highest levels of academic integrity and national competitiveness.”
Thompson, who played at Princeton, coached at his alma mater for four years before being hired by Georgetown in 2004.
Though he had long been criticized by Hoyas fans and alumni, the decision to fire him still came as a surprise, given his father’s relationship with the university.
“I am grateful to fans of Georgetown for their tremendous support,” Thompson said in a statement. “Georgetown basketball has been a part of my life since 1972, which makes this moment even more impactful, but I look forward to my next chapter.”