Washington parts ways with Romar after 15 seasons

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Washington has parted ways with head coach Lorenzo Romar, the school announced Wednesday.

ESPN's Jeff Goodman was the first to report the story.

The Huskies stumbled to a 9-22 record in 2016, missing the NCAA tournament for the sixth consecutive season.

Romar posted a cumulative 298-195 record during his 15 seasons as head coach.

"After evaluating our men's basketball program, I have determined that a change in leadership is necessary," Washington's director of athletics, Jennifer Cohen, said in a statement. "Today is particularly difficult because Coach Romar is such a beloved member of our university community. I want to thank Lorenzo and his family for 15 years of dedicated service and sacrifice."

Romar also released a statement:

As a former student-athlete, and an alum of the University of Washington, this is definitely not an easy day for me. I was really looking forward to coaching our team next year and beyond. However, God had a different plan. I am proud of a lot of things we were able to accomplish in the 15 years that we were here. I want to thank all of the coaches, players and staff who have played a part in that success. I will always support the University of Washington, and pull for the Huskies.

It's unclear how Romar's removal will affect the recruitment of Michael Porter Jr., universally regarded as the best prospect in the 2017 high school class. Porter's father, Michael Sr., joined Washington's staff as an assistant coach prior to the 2016-2017 season.

Some expected Washington to ascend through the Pac-12 with top NBA draft prospect Markelle Fultz on board this season, but the team never became a genuine contender.