Gophers Tubby Smith fired as Minnesota head coach

Mar 24, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach Tubby Smith reacts during the second half in the third round against the Florida Gators of the 2013 NCAA tournament at Frank Erwin Center. Florida won 78-64. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

After six years as the Gophers head basketball coach, Tubby Smith will reportedly be let go according to CBS Sports.

This comes a day after Smith and his Gophers lost in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

In six seasons, Smith led Minnesota to three NCAA Tournament appearances, winning only one win game — against UCLA last Friday.

Smith, who won a national championship with Kentucky in 1997-98, gave hope to Minnesota fans when he was named head coach in 2007 after the Gophers fired Dan Monson.

Smith compiled a record of 124-81 at Minnesota, leading the Gophers to two additional NIT appearances and an NIT runner-up finish last season.

His head coaching record at four schools is 511-226 (.693).

Smith’s son, Saul, is an assistant coach for the Gophers, and his status is unclear.

This is a developing story – we will update this page when new information is made available:

According to Gopher Hole, a coach has already verbally committed to replacing Tubby Smith.

Could this be the change at the top of leadership that could draw recruits Tyus Jones, Reid Travis or Rashad Vaughn to Minnesota?

If these reports are true, both head coaches of Friday’s match up between UCLA and Minnesota will have lost their jobs in two days.

Some are reporting Smith had not been notified before news broke.

Athletic Director Norwood Teague and Smith were set to meet today as stipulated by contract extension. Likely the decision was made before the meeting and was leaked.

According to the Star Tribune, Tubby’s buyout is $2.5 million. Had he been fired last year before his extension the buyout would have been $1.5 million.

A Pioneer Press reporter has confirmed that Tubby is out:

U basketball coach Tubby Smith is out, Board of Regents Chair Linda Cohen confirms. She got 8 am voicemail from President Kaler
— Mila Koumpilova (@MilaKoumpilova) March 25, 2013

There should be legitimate concerns about recruiting, even in the Class of 2013:

Just spoke with Alvin Ellis' father. They are going to wait and see what happens at Minnesota before deciding anything.
— Michael O'Brien (@michaelsobrien) March 25, 2013

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