'Bama Fires Grant

[WarriorHal]

 John Zenor | The Associated Press
Last Updated - Mar 15, 2015 20:26 EDT
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Alabama has fired men's basketball coach Anthony Grant, who led the Crimson Tide to just one NCAA Tournament berth in six seasons amid growing discontent among fans.

Athletic director Bill Battle said in a statement that he informed Grant of his decision on Sunday, three days after the Tide's loss to Florida in the opening round of the Southeastern Conference Tournament.

"This has been a very difficult decision, as I have the highest respect for Anthony as a coach, as a molder of young men, and as a person," Battle said. "Anthony is a man of impeccable character who has been an excellent representative of our program. He has made tremendous contributions to our program and we always will be grateful for his efforts.

"In this business we are ultimately judged by wins and losses on the court and, for a variety of reasons, we haven't made satisfactory progress in that area."

Alabama finished 18-14 and struggled to an 8-10 record in SEC games a year after Grant's first losing season as a head coach. Battle gave him a reprieve after a 13-19 record in 2013-14, saying he felt it wasn't a program adrift and predicting "better things ahead."

But once again, the Tide's best postseason hope was an NIT bid.

Grant was making $1.9 million annually through 2019 with a buyout of some $4 million, which would be reduced if he lands another job.

[HutchwasClutch]

He was pretty high on our list in 2008 as I recall, probably right below Sean Miller and Tony Bennett of our top wish list.  And he pretty much blew us off totally because he was waiting on a plum job like Alabama.  

I'm surprised Alabama cares enough about basketball to do anything.  

By the way, I'll be repeating my first statement above (just substitute names out and 2014 instead of 2008) in about oh, three or four years when Cal realizes that Cuonzo can't coach either.  Really impressive first year he had there.  And they had all but one of their best players from the year before returning.  

[VegasWarrior77]

And now there's Shaka...

[GooooMarquette]

And now there's Shaka...

Done deal?

[Oldgym]

It's almost time.