The University of Central Florida has decided to let go of men’s basketball head coach Donnie Jones following Thursday night’s 65-63 loss to Tulane, according to a press release emailed by UCF Athletics.
“After a great deal of thought and deliberation, we have determined that a change in leadership for our men’s basketball program is necessary,” UCF Athletic Director Danny White said in a statement.
“Donnie and his staff have been dedicated to ensuring our student-athletes become successful young men, and we are grateful for their hard work and dedication to UCF, our students and the entire Knight community over the past six years. However, our athletics department, university and community expect our men’s basketball program to compete for American Athletic Conference titles and make regular postseason appearances, and unfortunately, we have not reached those expectations.”
After Jones’ 100-88 record and six years with the Division I program at the university, White sealed the decision immediately after the first round result of the tournament.
“I’d like to thank Dr. Hitt and the UCF community for all their support,” Jones said in the press release. “I’m extremely grateful for the young men I had a chance to learn from and help reach their dreams during my time at UCF.”
The nationwide search for a new men’s basketball head coach begins immediately, according to the release.
Central Florida has parted ways with Donnie Jones, sources told ESPN.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) March 11, 2016
“We’re going to move quickly to find the right coach to lead our program and bring championships to UCF,” White concluded.
“We don’t have a set timeline but we’re going to be thorough and ensure we have the right person to lead our student-athletes. I’d like to thank Donnie and his wife Michelle for their many positive contributions to UCF.”
