PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 19: Head coach John Thompson III of the Georgetown Hoyas gestures from the sideline in the second half against the Eastern Washington Eagles during the second round of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Moda Center on March 19, 2015 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
will be taking his talents…anywhere else.
After 13 years as Georgetown University’s head men’s basketball coach, Thompson is reportedly on his way out. Georgetown announced today that they will not be retaining the head coach’s services.
Thompson III took over the program less than six years after his father had departed. The younger Thompson led Georgetown to eight NCAA tournament bids and one Final Four appearance. However, the Hoyas have had back-to-back losing seasons as calls for Thompson’s dismissal have grown louder. The school is just 29-36 over the last two years.
Thompson III’s decision comes just one day prior to a planned student protest. Some Georgetown students and alumni had signed a petition trying to get Thompson III removed. Fans even brought banners to the game calling for his firing while formers players talked about their concern with the program’s direction.
In 13 years. Thompson compiled a 278-151 record. His early success – the team won 23 games and made an NCAA tournament appearance in his second year and reached the Final Four in year three – has been quickly been forgotten as the Hoyas have not reached the Sweet 16 since 2006-07.
Georgetown, now in the market for a new head coach, may look to former player and current Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Patrick Ewing.
