UC parts ways with coach John Brannen
The University of Cincinnati has parted ways with men’s basketball coach John Brannen.
Cincinnati Director of Athletics John Cunningham announced Friday that men’s basketball head coach John Brannen had been “relieved of his duties.”
“This afternoon, we informed Men’s Basketball Head Coach John Brannen that he has been relieved of his duties effective immediately,” Cunningham wrote in a letter to Bearcats’ fans. “Tim Morris will serve as Interim Head Coach while we conduct a comprehensive nationwide search for a new leader of our men’s basketball program.
“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. 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.”
The decision to terminate Brannen comes two weeks after Cunningham announced the university was reviewing unspecified allegations related to Brannen and the men’s basketball program after six of Brannen’s players entered the transfer portal.