Following up on earlier reports. Here’s the official statement from Xavier from the parting of ways (firing) of head basketball coach Travis Steele:

 Xavier University Athletics and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Travis Steele have mutually agreed to part ways, Vice President and Director of Athletics Greg Christopher announced today.

“I appreciate the opportunity to lead Xavier Men’s Basketball the past four years,” said Steele. “I am excited for the next chapter in my life, and I wish Xavier nothing but success.”

Steele finished 70-50 overall in four seasons as the head coach, including two NIT berths. Steele spent 14 seasons on the basketball staff at Xavier. Associate Head Coach Jonas Hayes will serve as the Interim Head Coach as Xavier prepares to face the winner of tonight’s Iona/Florida game in the second round of the NIT on Sunday.

“I want to thank Travis and his staff for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Xavier Basketball program,” said Christopher. “Travis led the team with the utmost character and in a first-class manner. He navigated us through a difficult time with Covid and always focused on what was best for our student-athletes. I have tremendous respect for Travis, and he’s been a part of Xavier Basketball for more than a decade, playing an important role in some of the program’s greatest accomplishments. We collectively appreciate all that Travis has given to Xavier and wish him the best moving forward.

“Our expectations for Xavier Basketball remain steadfast: we expect to compete for the BIG EAST Championship and to compete and advance in the NCAA tournament.”

A national search will begin immediately.