The Cincinnati Bearcats have fired John Brannen, head coach of men’s basketball, after two seasons after an investigation into the program, the school announced Friday.
The school placed Brannen on paid leave earlier this month.
Cincinnati athletic director John Cunningham announced the move in a letter to fans of the program.
“The decision to move in a new direction comes after a thorough review of our program, which includes discussions with student-athletes, coaches and staff as well as with Coach Brannen,” Cunningham said. “Ultimately, the University acts in the best interests of our student athletes and the institution, and this decision reflects our commitment to both, as well as to our values, which we greatly appreciate. As this is a staff matter, we are unable to go into further detail about the program overview or the decision to give.
“We will work quickly but judiciously to find a new head coach. With a passionate support base, strong tradition and history, elite facilities and a shared commitment to success, we are confident that we will have a deep pool of candidates. continue with our student athletes during this transition and support it. ‘
Cincinnati finished 12-11 overall this season after losing in the U.S. Athletics Conference tournament to Houston, after a 20-10 debut season for Brannen with the Bearcats. In the first three days after this season, however, six players entered the transfer portal: Gabe Madsen, Mike Saunders, Zach Harvey, Mamoudou Diarra, Mason Madsen and Tari Eason. All six remain in the portal, though only Harvey (UC Santa Barbara) and Gabe Madsen (Utah) have committed themselves to another school.
The school announced on March 26 that it had launched an investigation into the massive exodus from the program, as well as reports that Brannen’s treatment of the players led to the transfers.
Brennan’s lawyer, Tom Mars, told ESPN on April 3 after the school’s decision to leave him that Brannen owes a $ 5.25 million buyout if he is relieved of his duties.
“It is my experience that collegiate ADs are experts in the mismanagement of internal investigations, and this case is no exception,” Mars said at the time. “You do not have to take my word for it. I am in possession of a statement from the UC Athletics Department describing the misconduct of this internal investigation in much more descriptive terms.” There is no basis for Coach Brannen placed on administrative leave – much less terminated around the case. “
ESPN added Mars for additional comments.
One name that has drifted around the potential vacancy in Cincinnati over the past few weeks is former Indiana coach Archie Miller, who was let go by the Hoosiers last month. Another possible candidate could be Frank Martin from South Carolina, who spent two seasons as an assistant with the Bearcats from 2004-’05. UCLA assistant Darren Savino, who was a longtime assistant under Mick Cronin at Cincinnati, is another name associated with the job.