We reported earlier that Blaine Taylor was out as the head coach at Old Dominion – it’s now official. According to a statement released by ODU, Taylor has in fact been "terminated" effective immediately. Here is the statement made by ODU AD Dr. Wood Selig:
"As the athletic director at Old Dominion University, my primary responsibility is to our student athletes, and our intercollegiate athletic programs. As such, I am always going to try to base any decisions on those two guiding principles. After a comprehensive review of the men’s basketball program, and with the support of President John Broderick, I am relieving Blaine Taylor of his duties as Old Dominion University’s head men’s basketball coach, effective immediately. This decision is not based solely on wins and losses, but on a number of factors by which a head coach is evaluated. At this point, in regard to our head men’s basketball coach, our student athletes need mentorship, leadership and guidance. Our fans and alumni need encouragement. Our administration needs confidence in our leadership. Effective today, I have appointed Associate Head Coach Jim Corrigan as the interim head coach through the remainder of the season. Jim has been with the program 18 years, and I have great confidence in Jim’s ability to guide the team the rest of the year. We are not giving up on our student athletes or the program. Today’s announcement is about addressing the present and the future needs of our men’s basketball program. We want to make the most of our remaining eight games and put our student athletes in position for success. I want to thank Blaine and his family for everything they have contributed to Old Dominion University over the past 11 years. Blaine’s student athletes have always shown great character and tremendous heart. They have enjoyed considerable athletic and academic success. They have gone on to become productive citizens in their communities following their graduation from the University. In those regards, Blaine has led a model program – all of which has made for a difficult decision today. But as previously stated, my primary focus is our student athletes and the future of our men’s basketball program. As this is an institutional personnel issue, I cannot comment further, and I trust you will respect that position. "
ODU’s winningest coach in school history, Blaine Taylor built the Monarchs into one of the nation’s most consistent programs, with eight straight national post season appearances. In seven of the last eight years, ODU won 22 or more games for a 24.3 per year average. This season, the Monarchs have posted a 2-20 season, with wins over Moran State and Virginia to date.
ODU made four trips to the NCAA Tournament over the last eight years. The 2005 CAA Championship team won a school record 28 games. The Monarchs also reached the 2006 NIT semifinals, and captured the 2009 Colleinsider.com Post season Tournament title and made quarterfinal appearances in the 2008 CBI and 2012 CIT National post season tournaments. The 2007 Monarch squad garnered an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. ODU knocked off sixth seeded Notre Dame in the 2010 NCAA Tournament in New Orleans, compiling a 27-9 record. His 2011 earned a ninth seed and led the nation in rebound margin at 11.7 and compiled a 27-7 mark.
Taylor was one of only two CAA coaches to win back-to-back CAA crowns. In all, Taylor led ODU to three CAA titles.
