Today the Memphis Tigers announced that they had parted ways with Coach Tubby Smith after two seasons.
College Basketball Talk on Twitter
Tubby Smith is no longer the head coach at Memphis https://t.co/k7vEzLCVD3
In the school’s statement, Memphis President Dr. David Rudd said “After considerable deliberations and in the best financial interest of the University of Memphis, an agreement of separation with Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tubby Smith has been reached. Details are to be finalized, and no further comment will be offered.”
Mark Giannotto on Twitter
Here’s video of Tubby Smith leaving his meeting with Memphis President David Rudd and Athletic Director Tom Bowen. https://t.co/z9fiwayVpz
Smith had an overall record of 40-26, and although the team finished 21-13 this season, the Tigers were 1-7 against the Top 80 teams in the country. In addition, the team failed to reach the NCAA Tournament in each of Smith’s seasons at the helm, talented players transferred out, attendance was down, donations fell and recruiting was challenging.
Speculation has been floating for weeks that the school would bring hometown talent Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway back to the University where he first put the Nation on notice that he was a force to be reckoned with as a player for the Tigers from 1991 – 1993. Penny is currently the head coach at East High School and founder of the Memphis-based AAU team, Team Penny.
