University of Massachusetts Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford announced on Thursday that men’s basketball head coach Derek Kellogg has been relieved of his duties.
“Decisions like this are always difficult but after a thorough review of our men’s basketball program, I believe that a leadership change is needed to realize a higher level of competitive success expected at the University of Massachusetts,” Bamford said.
At the helm of the program for nine seasons, Kellogg compiled an overall record of 155-137 with a record of 15-18 in 2016-17. Kellogg’s UMass teams were 67-83 in Atlantic 10 play during his tenure.
“I want to thank Derek for his unwavering commitment to UMass basketball as both a student-athlete and our head coach,” Bamford said. “Derek will always be a Minuteman and we wish him and his family well in the future.”
An extensive national search to fill the position is underway. Fogler Consulting, led by former Associated Press National Coach of the Year Eddie Fogler, will assist UMass in the search process.
“I am confident that our ranking as a top public research university, coupled with our considerable financial investment in the men’s program, including the new state-of-the-art John F. Kennedy Champions Center, will attract some outstanding candidates to UMass,” Bamford added.
