Georgia’s Landers retires

Andy Landers is retiring following 36 seasons as the only full-time coach in the history of the Georgia women’s program. Landers is retiring following a season in which he recorded his 850th career victory with the Lady Bulldogs. Georgia lost nine of its last 11 games to finish 19-12 following a strong start to the season. Georgia was 17-3 before losing several players to injuries and illness. Landers was named Georgia’s coach in 1979 and built a national power. Georgia ranks second nationally with 31 NCAA Tournament appearances 522 weeks in the Top 25. Georgia did not win a national championship under Landers but played in 20 Sweet 16s, 11 Elite Eights and five Final Fours. Georgia won seven SEC championships and four SEC Tournaments. Alabama associate head coach

John Brannen will lead the team through the NIT after the firing of Anthony Grant. Athletic Director Bill Battle named Brannen interim head coach Monday. The Crimson Tide open the NIT today against Illinois at Coleman Coliseum, just two days after Grant’s firing. Brannen worked under Grant the past nine years at Alabama and VCU and is a 16-year coaching veteran.

Paul Hewitt has been fired as George Mason’s coach after going 66-67 in four seasons. Athletic Director Brad Edwards said in a statement Monday there are “high expectations” for the team and “a change was needed.” The Patriots went 9-22 this season, 4-14 in the Atlantic 10, and lost their opening game in the conference tournament. Hewitt was fired by Georgia Tech in 2011. He took the Yellow Jackets to the 2004 NCAA Tournament championship game, but mounting losses and dwindling attendance led to his departure there. Less than two months later, he was hired by George Mason to replace Jim Larranaga, who led the Patriots to the Final Four in 2006 and was hired in 2011 by Miami. The University of San Diego fired Bill Grier, who finished 117-144 in eight seasons. Grier led the Toreros to an upset of Connecticut in the 2008 NCAA Tournament in his first season.