The University of California announced Wednesday that head men's basketball coach Ben Braun, a veteran of 12 seasons in the Pacific 10 Conference, has been relieved of his duties. "This was an extremely difficult decision that was undertaken with great care and diligence," said Cal director of athletics Sandy Barbour. "However, in the final analysis, I have determined that it is time for Cal to seek new leadership in our men's basketball program. Competing for conference championships and a place in the NCAA Tournament are goals and expectations that are embraced at Cal. Unfortunately, we have not been able to consistently meet those expectations in our men's basketball program."
Braun went 219-154 and reached five NCAA Tournaments during his 12 seasons with the Bears, but Cal was a disappointing 17-16 overall and 6-12 in the Pac-10 this season. A 73-56 loss at Ohio State Monday in the second round of the NIT served as the finale to the team's season. Meanwhile, six other Pac-10 schools received invitations to the Big Dance, with UCLA, Stanford and Washington State surviving the tourney's first weekend and reaching the Sweet 16.
Over the past five seasons, Cal has reached the NCAAs just once - in 2006 - and was bounced in the first round. The Bears finished eighth or ninth in the league three times in the past four seasons, and went just 39-51 in Pac-10 contests from 2004 to 2008. Braun arrived in the Bay Area in September of 1996 after a successful tenure as head coach at Eastern Michigan. In his first season, he guided the Bears to a 23-9 record and a Sweet 16 appearance, then reached the postseason five of the next six seasons - three times earning NCAA berths.
With 219 career victories at Cal, Braun ranks second on the school's all-time list behind Nibs Price, who patrolled the sidelines in Berkeley from 1925-54. The University of Wisconsin graduate also coached a pair of Pac-10 Players of the Year in Ed Gray (1997) and Sean Lampley (2001), as well as Leon Powe, the league's Freshman of the Year in 2004.
"I'd like to thank the Cal community for 12 great years of support," Braun said. "I've had the privilege to coach at one of the top universities in the country, and I'm proud of the program we've built. Going to eight postseason tournaments has been very special. I'm obviously disappointed that my staff and I won't be able to coach this team next year, and I feel they will be very successful."
According to Barbour, a national search for a new head coach will begin immediately with the aid of the firm Eastman & Beaudine, Inc. In the meantime, associate head coach Louis Reynaud will direct the program.
11 comments:
Is Bozeman still looking for a job? I think he's finally eligible again...
So says Andy Katz on espn.com:
The Cal job has always been one of the most coveted in the West. Potential interest could come from former Stanford coach Mike Montgomery, among many others.
Regarding Bozeman: He's at Morgan State, coaching (yes) the Morgan State Bears. From the look of things, he's doing quite well, at least in conference:
Predicted to finish 10th in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Todd Bozeman guided the Bears to a 13-18 overall record and finished tied for 3rd place in the conference in his first season at the helm.
Bozeman led the Bears to the 2007 MEAC Semi-Finals and was one gameaway from the Championship – something that has not been accomplished since the 1976-77 season. Based on the flashes of brilliance displayed last season, coupled with the talented incoming crop of recruits, Bozeman is in position to make an indelible mark on the MEAC and quite possibly in the region.
Go Bears!
I wouldn't be surprised if they hired Steve Lavin! You heard it here first....
From SI.com:
Names that have already surfaced as possible replacements include TV analyst and former UCLA coach Steve Lavin, former Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings coach Eric Musselman and Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett.
I always thought Lavin got a bum deal. (Full disclosure: I did post-graduate work at ucla after graduating from Cal.) He had a pretty impressive NCAA tourney record, though always got more blame for flameouts than for his impressive achievements. Not quite like knocking Howland for getting beat down by Florida two years in a row, but I do think he deserves another shot.
I'll admit it: I like Lavin. But it does make me nervous to see him considered for the Cal position.
More rumors (from a Denver Post varation on the AP theme):
Some possible replacements for Braun include Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett, former Stanford and Golden State Warriors coach Mike Montgomery, former UCLA coach Steve Lavin, former Warriors and Sacramento Kings coach Eric Musselman, UNLV coach Lon Kruger or Arizona assistant Kevin O'Neill.
Barbour already has her own short list.
Boykin said the Bears need a "disciplinarian" who will put some "fear" in the players.
"The numbers don't lie," Boykin said. "We made the NIT but that was a disappointment to a lot of people. I really have no idea why our defense was so bad. It's a mental toughness thing and we didn't have that mental toughness on the defensive end."
Lavin is a great recruiter but he can NOT coach.
I was finally convinced that Braun had to go when J Randle started the season as the worst point guard in the Pac 10 and finished the season as the worst then, to top it off, not having/developing a back up point guard.
Mike Montgomery would be a great hire but probably wishful thinking.
Go Bears!
I'd love to see Jason Kidd come back and coach however he might have another couple of NBA seasons left in him.
Did Kevin Johnson win his election? I'm in Texas but he might be another good choice.
Braun's won-lost record was illusory - for many years he had the weakest non-conf schedule.
Regarding Jason Kidd: You need a college degree to coach at Cal.
please dont hire lavin...are you kidding me?
Latest from Katz at espn.com (posted April 4):
Former Stanford and Golden State Warriors coach Mike Montgomery has agreed in principle to replace Ben Braun at rival California, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations.
Hate the idea of a Stanford guy coaching the bears, but the guy seemed to be able to coach the college game pretty well. Keeps him in the bay area, too, which I suppose makes things easier for him. Would be a solid hire if it happens.
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