The combination was too much for UConn: an NCAA investigation and a second straight losing season.
All of which left coach Kevin Ollie out of a job. He was fired Saturday four years after leading the Huskies to the NCAA basketball title.
The university said in a statement it has "initiated disciplinary procedures" and is dismissing him for "just cause." The school says it would have no further comment until its disciplinary process and the NCAA inquiry are complete. The scope of the investigation is not clear.
Athletic director David Benedict said it was "unfortunate that this decision became necessary." He added that the team must be held to the "highest standards" and a search for a new coach begins immediately.
Ollie was in the second year of a five-year deal valued at $17.9 million that was signed amid reports he was a candidate for several NBA jobs. He is not owed the remainder of his contract if fired for just cause, which includes serious NCAA violations.
Ollie spent six seasons at UConn and was an assistant under Jim Calhoun on the 2011 NCAA title team. The team went 14-18 this season, including 7-11 in the American Athletic Conference. Ollie's career record at UConn was 127-79.
Etc.
• Georgia AD Greg McGarity fired coach Mark Fox, ending the coach's nine-year stay that included only two NCAA tournament appearances. Fox was 163-133 with the Bulldogs.
• Missouri senior forward Jordan Barnett was arrested early Saturday on suspicion of drunken driving. Barnett is the second-leading scorer and rebounder for the Tigers, who are on the NCAA tournament bubble.
