Mississippi State fires head coach Rick Ray; 4-star recruit decommits

After three seasons at the helm, Mississippi State has fired head coach Rick Ray. Athletics director Scott Stricklin released a statement on Twitter to announce the move.

After much thought and deliberation, I have made the decision to replace Rick Ray as Mississippi State's men's basketball coach. This has been a difficult decision, as I have the utmost respect for Rick, and am highly appreciative of the effort he put forth in leading our basketball program. 

To Rick's credit, we have seen great strides from out student-athletes in several areas, including academics. However, the on-court results have not been satisfactory. In order for MSU to achieve success at the levels to which we aspire, I believe that a change is necessary at this time.

Ray joined the Bulldogs in 2012 following the retirement of longtime head coach Rick Stansbury. It was his first head-coaching opportunity after serving as an assistant for Indiana State, Northern Illinois, Purdue and Clemson. 

After the announcement, Ray jumped on Instagram to express his disappointment at the turn of events.

I am saddened by the events today. Not for myself but for the players who have sacrificed their bodies and mind for me and the program; for the signed and committed recruits who have to go through a coaching change after taking SO much time and effort to make an educated decision about what is best for them and their future and choosing me as their next coach, mentor, and role model but now have to go through the gut wrenching process again; for my staff who worked tirelessly to hold our players accountable, to develop our players on and off the court as human beings and citizens, and for their undying loyalty to me and Mississippi State.

But a decision has been made and I want to thank Dr. Keenum and Scott Stricklin for giving me the opportunity to lead their program. ... And most importantly the Mississippi State community, fans, and former players for being SO kind to me and my family and making us feel at home and at peace. You truly showed us the definition of family and southern hospitality!

After going 21-12 in Stansbury's final season, Mississippi State went 10-22 in Ray's first season and never had a .500 record during his tenure. Ray went 37-60 (13-41 in SEC play) over his three years in Starkville, including a 13-19 record this past season.

The decision to end Ray's time with Mississippi State has already had a negative effect on the Bulldogs. D'Marcus Simonds, a four-star junior shooting guard that had previously committed to Mississippi State, decided to reopen his recruitment following the announcement.