Following up on my report from earlier today. East Carolina has now issued an official statement on the dismissal of head basketball coach Joe Dooley. Here is the release:

East Carolina University Director of Athletics Jon Gilbert announced Friday a leadership change in the Pirates men’s basketball program.

“This evening, I informed Joe Dooley, staff and our student-athletes we are going to move forward with a new leader of our men’s basketball program,” Gilbert said. “For the last four seasons, Joe has worked tirelessly to improve our basketball program and I thank him for his dedication and commitment since the day he was hired. We wish him well in his future endeavors.

“We are committed to building a winning program and developing young men who are leaders on and off the court. Thanks to the generosity of our Pirate Club supporters, we have the facilities and fan base here to attract a top candidate.”

Dooley compiled a 101-119 record in eight overall seasons at ECU from 1995 to 1999 and 2018 to 2022, which included a recently-completed 15-15 campaign this year.