CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois coach John Groce was fired Saturday after an 18-14 season in which his team was ninth in the Big Ten. The Illini made just one NCAA appearance in his five seasons at the school.
Assistant Jamall Walker was appointed interim coach while the school searchers for a successor. Groce has two years left on his contract and will receive the balance, about $1.7 million.
"Under his leadership, regrettably, we were not able to sustain the level of competitive excellence that we expect at the University of Illinois," athletic director Josh Whitman said. "But that should do nothing to detract from the many wonderful things John has done on behalf of Illinois basketball during his tenure."
Groce was considered one of the nation's hot coaches when he was hired in March 2012. He left Ohio University after coaching the Bobcats to an 85-56 record and two NCAA tournament appearances in four seasons.
In five seasons at Illinois, he was 95-75 overall and 37-53 in Big Ten play. The Illini were 8-10 in the conference this season and lost 75-55 to Michigan in their conference tournament opener.
Associated Press
