Georgetown fires head coach John Thompson III
John Thompson III's 13-year tenure as head basketball coach at Georgetown has reached its expiration date.
After back-to-back losing seasons in the Big East, Georgetown president John J. DeGioia shook the basketball program to its core by announcing that Thompson has been dismissed as head coach, according to USA Today's Nicole Auerbach.
"It is with profound regret and deep appreciation that I informed John Thompson III this morning that the University will no longer be retaining his services as our Head Men's Basketball Coach," DeGioia said in a statement Thursday. "His performance as a coach has been exceptional, and he has served our community with remarkable distinction and integrity, sustaining our commitment to the academic performance of our students and providing them with the very best preparation for their lives beyond the Hilltop."
Thompson's departure puts the program in a deeper state of flux after the Hoyas suffered multiple losses in recent days. Junior guard L.J. Peak officially declared for the draft on Mar. 21, and highly touted recruit Tremont Waters asked for his release on Mar. 11.
Paul Tagliabue and AD Lee Reed will lead national coaching search for new #Hoyas coach, per university spokesperson.
— Gene Wang (@gene_wang) March 23, 2017
Thompson led the Hoyas to a 278-151 record since taking over for Craig Esherick to begin the 2004-05 season, giving the program seven NCAA tournament appearances over that span, including a trip to the Final Four in 2007.
The Hoyas also captured three Big East regular season championships and one tournament championship under Thompson's guidance.