Darrin Horn has been fired.
As we noted (here and here) the drum beat was getting louder for the removal of Coach Horn due to lackluster performances the last two season, poor execution as a coach, bad attendance at home games and ineffective recruiting.
Athletic director Eric Hyman had his standard end-of season meeting with Horn on Tuesday and shortly following the meeting, word came down that Horn would be relieved of his duties. A press conference was held and final word was given that Horn has been removed.
Horn was 60-63 in four seasons at USC. The Gamecocks’ 21 losses this season tied a school record. South Carolina also posted a school-worst 2-14 record in the SEC. Also basketball ticket sales fell $400,000 between 2008 and 2011, according to USC data. And to add to the reasons, have not had a stellar postseason record under his tenure.
Horn is owed $800,000 for each year remaining on his contract, which runs through March 31, 2015. He is owed a $2.4 million buyout based on time remaining. He’s also owed an additional $100,000 in a tax-deferred compensation plan.
The search for a new coach will begin immediately. The next coach does have young talent to work with and good a boost Monday with news that Bruce Ellington, its best all-around player and top returning scorer, decided he would play only basketball next season.
South Carolina has released a statement on the firing and it includes a comment from Horn himself.
