La Salle University announced today that Dr. John Giannini, head coach of the Explorers men’s basketball team for the past 14 years, and the University have mutually agreed to part ways.
“John is a great guy, always with the best interests of his student-athletes at heart, and he did his very best to advance the men’s basketball program at La Salle,” said Bill Bradshaw, La Salle’s Athletic Director. “John made academic success a big part of his coaching philosophy—100% of the seniors he recruited have graduated, and La Salle finished in the top 10% in the nation for APR each of the past three years. We wish John and his family nothing but the best, and he will be remembered for his contributions to La Salle, on and off the court.”
“I am truly blessed to have the relationships, challenges, and achievements that come from 29 years of being a head coach. In my time, I have witnessed hundreds of coaching changes involving many terrific coaches and schools,” said Dr. Giannini. “Today Bill Bradshaw and I mutually agreed that La Salle University could benefit from a new voice in leading the program. It is difficult to admit this but I have given every effort possible for success and I have received nothing but support and encouragement from Bill and President Hanycz. Greater things may be accomplished for this storied program and great university with the approach of a new coach. I am forever grateful, especially to my loyal staff and dedicated student-athletes. I look forward to my next challenge and La Salle’s future success.”
Giannini arrived at La Salle in 2004 as the La Salle Explorer’s 18th head basketball coach and in his second year, the program completed its first winning season since 1992-93. In the 2011-12 season, La Salle won 21 games and went to the NIT. In the following season, the Explorers won 24 games, earning a trip to the NCAA tournament—their first appearance since 1992—where they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen and finished the year ranked 24th in the nation by the USA Today Coaches’ Poll.
In the 2017-18 season, Dr. Giannini achieved his 500th career victory. Giannini and Speedy Morris (1987-2001) both coached for 14 years, the longest tenures in the program’s history. Over his 14 years as head coach, the Explorers overall record was 212-226.
A search for a new men’s head basketball coach will commence immediately.
