Thanks to great sources who got HoopDirt.com out in front of this story first on Wednesday…

Wright State University Athletics Director Bob Grant has announced the university will be changing coaches for its men’s basketball program.

The university and Billy Donlon’s representative have been in conversations for the last several days about the basketball program’s change in direction. Per policy and in the interest of fairness to both parties, the university’s position was to maintain confidentiality until such time as Donlon’s future role with the university was determined.

“Based on a careful evaluation of the basketball program and Coach Donlon’s overall body of work, I have decided to move in a different direction,” said Grant.

“Billy has been a fine ambassador of the university and has demonstrated concern for the welfare of our student-athletes. However, we simply have not achieved the level of performance that I feel our fans deserve and that I expect. I believe we have the best fans and facilities in the Horizon League, yet our fan engagement and overall success on the court has waned.”

“We aspire to be a top 100 program, but have not reached that level in the last six years. These are not unrealistic expectations. We’ve been there before, and most of the other Horizon League schools have achieved at that level since. I want us to return there. Moreover, we have no NCAA appearances, NIT appearances, or victories over ranked opponents in the last six years. We need these types of achievements to energize our fan base.”

We fully support Bob Grant and the Athletics Department in this decision and we have been engaged throughout the process,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dan Abrahamowicz, Ph.D.

Donlon led Wright State to an overall record of 109-94, including 53-49 in Horizon League play and 99-94 versus Division I competition.

A national search for Donlon’s successor will begin immediately.