La Salle University head men’s basketball coach Ashley Howard will not return next season, Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Brian Baptiste announced Monday.

“I would like to thank Ash for the guidance he provided to our student-athletes over the last four years,” Baptiste said. “Unfortunately, the performance on the court did not meet our expectations. The time is right for a change in leadership that will benefit our student-athletes and the future of the program. We wish Ash, his wife, Ari, daughter, Journey, and son, Ace, nothing but the best in their next chapter.”

Howard recently completed his fourth season as head coach of the Explorers, compiling a 45-71 record and a 25-46 mark in Atlantic 10 play.

“I would like to give my heartfelt gratitude to the La Salle community for their support of me and the program over the last four years,” Howard said. “Unfortunately, I was not able to lead the program to the heights and expectations that were set. I am better for my experience as a head coach at La Salle, and I will always be a supporter of the Blue & Gold. Believe.”

Associate head coach Kyle Griffin will serve as interim head coach. A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

“La Salle men’s basketball is a program that is well known across the college basketball landscape, due to the outstanding student-athletes and coaches that have been a part of our proud institution,” Baptiste continued. “Our alumni, our fans, University administration, and I­ have high expectations for returning the team to success at the highest levels and maintaining our student-athletes’ nationally recognized excellence in the classroom. We will work diligently to find a head coach who is committed to building a championship-caliber program.”

https://goexplorers.com/news/2022/3/21/03-21-22-mens-basketball-change-in-leadership.aspx