Allen Kee/ESPN Images(COLUMBIA, Miss.) — University of Missouri head basketball coach Kim Anderson has been asked to step down after three seasons according to ESPN. The school will allow Anderson to coach the SEC Tournament from Mar. 8-12.
Anderson took over the program when Frank Haith left for Tulsa in 2014, signing a five-year contract. Through three years, Anderson’s teams have combined for just a 26-67 record. They have not made the NCAA Tournament in any of those seasons.
Athletic director Jim Sterk released a statement:
“This decision has been very difficult for me personally because of the tremendous respect I have for Kim. I know how hard he and his staff have worked to turn the program around over the last three years, however, the lack of on-court success has resulted in a significant drop in interest surrounding our program, and we could not afford for that to continue another year.”
Anderson, a Missouri alum, said in a statement he is “grateful” for the opportunity to have coached in Columbia, and believes he and his staff “have been able to stabilize the program” despite not achieving on-court results.
Missouri admitted to NCAA violations and self-imposed a postseason ban in January. The violations occurred during Frank Haith’s tenure, and the program had to vacate 23 wins from Haith’s final season.
ESPN reports the school has been gauging interest of potential candidates to replace Anderson. California’s Cuonzo Martin is mentioned as a possible replacement according to reports.
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