Ole Miss’ Kennedy to leave immediately

OXFORD, Miss. — Mississippi basketball Coach Andy Kennedy said his resignation is now effective immediately, six days after saying he would depart at the end of the season.

“It has become readily apparent to me that my continued presence as the head coach is proving detrimental to these players finishing the season in a fashion that is representative of The Standard for this program that has been clearly established and maintained for over a decade,” Kennedy said Sunday in a university release. “Therefore, I believe that it is in everyone’s best interest that I exit my role as head coach effective immediately.

“We all know that ‘clean breaks’ are always best, and I should have realized this last Monday. My apologies.”

Tony Madlock, an assistant on Kennedy’s staff, will serve as Ole Miss’ acting head coach for the rest of the season.

Kennedy said part of the reason he had stepped down last week was to relieve any external pressure the players may have been feeling due to his uncertain job status. Kennedy said he believed those players were still feeling that pressure even after his Monday announcement.

Kennedy departs with a final record of 245-156 in 12 seasons at Ole Miss. He owns the school record for career victories. Ole Miss had nine 20-win seasons and two NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure.