SMU Looking For New Coach

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DALLAS – SMU Director of Athletics Steve Orsini announced today that he has made a change in the leadership of the Mustang men’s basketball program and that he has relieved head basketball coach Matt Doherty of his coaching duties.

“I appreciate Matt’s efforts and service here at SMU,” said Orsini. “He always represented the university with class and I never doubted his effort or desire to win, but it was time for a change. We wish him the best.”

“As I have said previously, we have set a goal of top-25 status for our men’s basketball program and want to compete for BIG EAST championships. With our membership in one of the best basketball conferences in the nation, the Crum Basketball Center, our $40-plus million renovation of Moody Coliseum and our location in the fertile recruiting grounds of Dallas, we believe we have the pieces for a championship-caliber program.”

“I understand that this is a business and, at the end of the day, we simply didn’t win enough games,” stated Doherty. “However, I am grateful to the players and staff for their hard work and the way they represented the University. I always stressed to them the importance of controlling what you can control – your attitude and effort. They were great about focusing on every practice and game. I think that shows the type of character these young men possess. I wish SMU and these young men nothing but success.”

Orsini said a national search for a new head coach would begin immediately.

Doherty, who just concluded his sixth season on the Hilltop, posted an SMU record of 80-109 and is 170-180 in 11 seasons overall as a head coach.