Retiring Driesell Fired

Lefty Driesell was fired as basketball coach at James Madison on, one day after he said next season would be his last.

“An immediate change in leadership is essential to ensure future success for JMU basketball players, both on and off the court,” the university said in a statement.

The dismissal of one college basketball’s most prominent coaches was announced by university president Ronald Carrier and athletic director Donald Lemish. They said the basketball program has deteriorated and lost fan support.

“I see no reason to dignify the statements by Dr. Carrier and Mr. Lemish by responding in kind,” Driesell said in his own statement released by Chuck Driesell, his son and an assistant coach. The elder Driesell was out of town and not available for further comment.

John Olive, the men’s basketball coach at Loyola Marymount for the past five years, resigned after a 7-21 season.

He had a career record of 51-88 at LMU.