On July 9, Larry Brown announced his resignation as head coach of Southern Methodist University's basketball team after four seasons. This was Brown's 13th head coaching position and third head coaching position for a college team. After just four seasons with SMU, Brown was able to completely rebuild SMU's basketball program, having three straight 25-plus win seasons and an appearance in the NCAA tournament in 2015. This was SMU's first appearance in the tournament in 22 years.
So why did Brown decide to leave? Apparently, it was over a contract dispute. Brown wanted a five-year contract, while SMU was offering only a two or three-year deal. After not being able to reach an agreement, Brown resigned.
There have been many criticisms of both Brown and SMU over this event. Some think SMU should have seen this coming: Brown has a reputation for being a very "nomadic" coach, as he as coached 13 different teams (a few of which he resigned mid-season). Others blame Brown for being irrational and selfish. He is 76 years old, and a five-year contract would extend into his 80s. This negotiation was also discussed after SMU's sanctioned season for violating NCAA rules. Last September, the NCAA banned SMU from the postseason for one year and also suspended Brown for nine games.
Regardless of who is to blame, it was incredible to see how Brown transformed SMU's program in just four seasons. As an SMU student, it was amazing to see the hype for our basketball team grow and grow over time, with people desperately trying to rack up points to be able to join "The Mob." Students camped out to get basketball tickets in the freezing cold. The term "Moody Magic" was coined (Moody meaning Moody Coliseum, SMU's home stadium). On a campus where school spirit was lacking, this energy was revolutionary.
Tim Jankovich will take over as head coach of the Mustangs after serving as Brown's associate head coach for the past four seasons. He has an impressive resume, having coached five seasons with Illinois State prior to coming to SMU.
Will Jankovich be capable of maintaining a winning record next season or clinching a spot in the NCAA tournament? We will see this fall.
