The Wolfpacker confirmed Thursday afternoon that sixth-year head coach Mark Gottfried has been fired, but he will coach the remainder of the 2016-17 season for the Wolfpack.
Earlier Monday morning, The Wolfpacker reported on its premium message board of the possibility of Gottfried being let go, and in the afternoon floated the scenario that he would be let go but allowed to coach out the season.
The dismissal ended a tenure that began with four seasons of success but spiraled out of control the last two campaigns. Gottfried is 122-82 with at least five games left at the helm. He is 47-55 in the ACC.
In his first four seasons, Gottfried won at least 22 games every year, had at least a .500 record in the league (including three winning marks) and reached the NCAA Tournament all four times, highlighted by a pair of Sweet 16 appearances.
However, what seemed to be a yearly tradition of attrition caught up with the Pack last season, and the team endured a 16-17 mark overall and 5-13 in the conference. That was supposed to be a one-year hiccup, especially with the addition of supposed one-and-done talents Dennis Smith Jr. and Omer Yurtseven to the squad.
Historically poor defensive performances led to five ACC losses by at least 20 points, and the team has sputtered to a 14-13 record overall and 3-11 in the league. It is mired in a six-game losing streak after Wednesday night's 97-73 loss to rival North Carolina. The Heels had beaten NCSU by 51 points in Chapel Hill earlier in the season.
“Mark and I met today to discuss the future direction of our program,” athletics director Debbie Yow said in a prepared statement. “While it has long been my practice to evaluate the body of work at season’s end, in reviewing the overall direction of our program, we believe a change in leadership is necessary moving forward. Our focus now remains on supporting our student-athletes and staff over the final weeks of our season.”
“It has been a privilege to serve as head coach of NC State, and I’m proud of what we have accomplished during my time here,” Gottfried said. “NC State is a special place and I appreciate the opportunity to finish the remainder of the season.”
Gottfried will be owed about $2.5 million in his buyout according to reports. He is signed through the 2019-20 season.
NC State said a search for Gottfried's replacement will begin immediately. A press conference will be Friday.
The Wolfpacker will have updates coming on potential coaching candidates to replace Gottfried and more soon.
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