Owls dump coach Curry after 4 years
BOCA RATON — It took less than two weeks on the job for Florida Atlantic athletic director Brian White to make his first coaching change.
On Friday, the school announced the firing of men’s basketball coach Michael Curry. In his four seasons, the Owls posted a 39-84 record.
“Michael is a wonderful person and very well liked throughout the university and the community at large,” said White, who was hired March 3. “I have no doubt you will join me in wishing him every success for the future, and to thank him for his dedication and commitment to FAU.”
A statement released by the university cited “results on the court did not meet expectations.” This season, the Owls finished 12-19 and lost to 83-72 to UAB in the first round of the Conference USA tournament. They won just one postseason game under Curry, who had two years left on his contract.
At his introductory news conference on Wednesday, White said Curry was one of the coaches he had yet to meet. At the time, White felt it was too early to address the future of the basketball program.
White sees no reason why the Owls can’t compete in Conference USA on a yearly basis.
“I’d love to come in here and try to figure it out, what does that mean, learn from the people here, learn from the people that know FAU’s basketball history,” White said. “I don’t think that long-term there’s a reason we can’t win here and win at a high level of basketball. I believe that. Part of it is getting her and figuring that out.”
The Owls will begin a search for a replacement immediately. Curry was hired by former athletic director Pat Chun in 2014. The move was accompanied by lofty expectations because of Curry’s background.
After playing 11 years in the NBA, he coached the Detroit Pistons for one season in 2008. He was later was the associate head coach for the Philadelphia 76ers from 2010-13.
Curry was FAU’s latest failed attempt at a splash coaching hire for men’s basketball. The list includes Mike Jarvis, Rex Walters, Matt Doherty and Sidney Green.
Despite their names, none were able to sustain much success. Doherty left after just one season for SMU in 2006.
The program hasn’t played in the NCAA Tournament since 2002 under Green. The Owls haven’t had a winning season since finishing 21-11 in 2011, qualifying for the NIT under Jarvis.