Fischer era ends with his release
CAA Coach of the Year in first season has four losing records since
William & Mary released Dane Fischer on Sunday, announcing officially it “will part ways” with its men’s basketball coach after five seasons.
The Tribe’s fourth consecutive losing season under Fischer ended at 10-23 on Saturday with a 67-56 loss to Towson in the Coastal Athletic Association Tournament in Washington, D.C. The Tribe was 21-11 in 2019-20 under Fischer, who was named the CAA Coach of the Year.
But the Tribe’s record since is 35-80 during a four-season stretch of continual roster change due to the transfer portal. Injuries plagued this season’s team, which often played with seven or fewer scholarship players.
“Coach Fischer is a person of high character and integrity, and I am grateful for all he has done for our student-athletes,” W&M Director of Athletics Brian Mann said in a release. “However, the time has come for change in our program.
“As a university, we hold ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to competitive excellence in all our varsity athletics programs. My focus now turns to identifying the right person to uphold those standards as our next men’s basketball coach.”
W&M will begin its search for a new head coach immediately.
Fischer told the Daily Press and Virginian-Pilot on Sunday he will miss William & Mary, and the feeling appears to be mutual.
“I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to coach at William & Mary,” Fischer said. “This is a very special place, and I want to thank all of the players, coaches, support staff and administrators for their effort and commitment during our time here.
“My family and I feel so fortunate for the incredible relationships we have made in the department, on campus and in the community. Our fans and alums have been amazing and I can’t thank them enough for all of their support.
“My kids asked me this morning if we will still cheer for the Tribe and I told them we always will.”
Mann said, “Our student-athletes benefited from their time with Coach Fischer and his commitment to their personal growth. We thank Dane for his service to the university, and wish him and his family well.”