Brown Steps Down From SMU
Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown is stepping down at SMU, according to multiple reports Friday.
Brown told ESPN’s Andy Katz that he is resigning as head coach of SMU men’s basketball program.
Brown did not offer details, telling ESPN that he first wanted to discuss his decision with his players and their parents.
“I’ve got nothing else I can say right now,” Brown said.
The 75-year-old Brown coached four seasons at SMU. His decision reportedly has to do with the school’s unwillingness to offer him a long-term contract. He had one year remaining on a five-year contract.
SMU athletic director Rick Hart said the school had offered Brown a new contract that ran through 2020.
“Coach Brown was able to accomplish so much in his four years on the Hilltop, including leading us to our first conference title since 1993,” Hart said in a statement. “He has left his mark on SMU basketball, and we are thankful for what he’s done.”
Associate head coach Tim Jankovich, who was hired as the coach-in-waiting under Brown in 2012, will take over as SMU coach. When NCAA sanctions forced Brown off the bench for the first nine games last season, Jankovich led the team. Jankovich has previously been the head coach at Illinois State and North Texas.
“As Director of Athletics, I’m also thankful to the search committee that brought us Coach Brown and for their plan that will allow us such a smooth transition to Tim Jankovich,” Hart said. “I have the utmost confidence in Tim based on both his coaching resume as well as my time working with him here on the Hilltop. I know he will keep our program among the nation’s elite, and I look forward to the seasons ahead.”
Brown’s program underwent an NCAA investigation last year because of academic improprieties that resulted in a self-imposed postseason ban for the 2015-16 season.
The Mustangs were 25-5 last season and 13-5 in the American Athletic Conference. Brown finishes his tenure at SMU with a 94-39 record.
Brown has coached in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets, New Jersey Nets, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks and Charlotte Bobcats. He coached the Nuggets and Carolina Cougars in the ABA and won the 2004 NBA title with the Pistons.
Brown also coached at Kansas and UCLA, and he led the Jayhawks to the 1988 NCAA title. NCAA sanctions accompanied Brown at each of his three college jobs. He is 266-99 as a college coach.
