La Salle parts ways with head coach John Giannini after 14 years

PHILADELPHIA (AP) La Salle split with basketball coach John Giannini on Friday following a 13-19 finish in his 14th season.

The school said in a statement the Explorers and the coach have ''mutually agreed to part ways,'' and a search for a new coach has begun.

''John is a great guy, always with the best interests of his student-athletes at heart, and he did his very best to advance the men's basketball program at La Salle,'' said athletic director Bill Bradshaw, who lauded Giannini for his players' academic success.

Giannini said La Salle would ''benefit from a new voice.'' He added that ''it is difficult to admit this, but I have given every effort possible for success.''

''I am truly blessed to have the relationships, challenges and achievements that come from 29 years of being a head coach,'' he said.

His team went 7-14 in the Atlantic-10 this year. Giannini came to La Salle in 2004 and had a career record there of 212-226. In the 2011-12 season, La Salle won 21 games and went to the NIT.

The following season, the Explorers won 24 games and reached the NCAA's round of 16. It was the only NCAA Tournament appearance under Giannini. He matched Speedy Morris for longest tenured coach in La Salle history.

Giannini was also the coach at Maine and won a Division III national championship with Rowan in 1996.

He said he received ''nothing but support and encouragement'' from the La Salle administration.

''Greater things may be accomplished for this storied program and great university with the approach of a new coach,'' he said.