After tendering his resignation effective at seasons end back on 2/12, Ole Miss Head Basketball Coach Andy Kennedy has changed course and stepped down effective immediately. Kennedy has issued the following statement:
My announcement on Monday, February 12, declaring my impending resignation was intended to:
- Lift “the cloud” forming over our program due to continued speculation regarding my future as head coach.
- Stop any divisive distraction that the speculation was causing among our supporters (Rebel Nation) and allow Ross to move forward with securing the next head coach for the program.
- Relieve any external pressure being felt by our current players.
While I believe the first two of these intended goals were accomplished, the third was not.
It has become readily apparent to me that my continued presence as the head coach is proving detrimental to these players finishing the season in a fashion that is representative of The Standard for this program that has been clearly established and maintained for over a decade; therefore, I believe that it is in everyone’s best interest that I exit my role as head coach effective immediately. We all know that “clean breaks” are always best, and I should have realized this last Monday. My apologies.
As I’ve stated before, I am Very Thankful to have had the opportunity to serve as the Head Coach for Men’s Basketball at The University of Mississippi for 12 years! This Community, this University, the SEC, have all overwhelmed me and my family with incredible grace and support. We will forever be woven into the fabric of this Very Special place – “Hell Yeah, Damn Right!!”
Tony Madlock, an assistant on Kennedy’s staff, will serve as acting head coach for the remainder of the 2017-18 season.
Madlock, who boasts more than 20 years of collegiate coaching experience, is in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the Rebels.
