March 5, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Citing "a lack of progress" within the men's basketball program, Illinois State Director of Athletics Sheahon Zenger announced the termination of head coach Porter Moser's contract on Monday.
Moser, who had three years remaining on his existing contract, led the Redbirds to a 51-67 (.432) record in his four seasons at Illinois State, including a 1-4 mark at the conference tournament. His winning percentage is the third lowest by an ISU head basketball coach and lowest by a head coach with more than two seasons on the job.
"This isn't about wins and losses from a particular season," said Zenger. "This is about a program, and the management of that program. I have talked this over with President (Al) Bowman and he concurs with the decision."
In Moser's tenure, the Redbirds were never higher than the No. 6 seed at the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament and finished as the No. 10 seed twice. In league play, the Redbirds compiled a 22-50 (.306) mark in Valley games under Moser - the lowest four-year mark since Illinois State joined the conference in 1981.
The contracts of Chris Jans, Daniyal Robinson and Brian Barone were also terminated. The search for a new head basketball coach will begin immediately.
