The firing season has begun this weekend. Here is what I’ve heard over the past 24 hours……

Oregon will fire Ernie Kent at the conclusion of the season. According to our sources, the decision has already been made, and Kent was informed of it. An official announcement is expected in the next few days. Kent is 233-172 in 13 seasons at Oregon. Also, our sources are telling us that assistant Kenny Payne is the only assistant who will not be released. He will run the program in the interim, and his fate will be decided when the new coach is hired.

Mack McCarthy has resigned at East Carolina and will move into a fundraising role with in the Athletics Department. McCarthy will coach the team through the C-USA Tournament next weekend. McCarthy took over for Ricky Stokes three years ago after spending three seasons as associate head coach and has gone 34-56. Here’s a link to the official release:

http://www.ecupirates.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030610aab…

Central Arkansas Head Coach Rand Chappell and his staff have been fired. AD Brad Teague made the official announcement yesterday. Chappell had three years remeining on his contract. According to Teague, that will be paid from "private funds." Chappell had been at the help for 7 seasons with a career record of 104-104. UCA is in its final year of transition to DI and will be eligible for post season play next season. Here’s the official announcement:

http://www.ucasports.com/sport.asp?action=news&sportid=6…

I’m sure this is just the beginning of what will be a very busy off-season