Washington State relieves Ken Bone of basketball coaching duties

Courtesy of Washington State Athletics:

PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University Director of Athletics Bill Moos announced Tuesday that men’s head basketball coach Ken Bone will not return to guide the Cougars next season.

“Ken and I met earlier today,” said Moos. “At that meeting I informed him I would be making a change in the direction of the program. I appreciate what Ken has done for Cougar Basketball, leading us to the postseason twice in the last four years, and I thanked him for his service to WSU. But at this point we need to revitalize our fan base, particularly our student body, and position this program to compete for championships.”

Bone, who Thursday completed his fifth year at WSU, compiled an 80-86 record, including a 10-21 mark this past season. He guided the Cougars to the 2011 NIT Semifinals and the 2012 CBI Finals, and leaves Washington State sixth on the all-time coaching wins list.

Bone was hired in April, 2009, replacing Tony Bennett. Bone had two years remaining on his original seven-year contract signed under then-athletic director Jim Sterk. Bone arrived at WSU having spent the previous four years as head coach at Portland State, where he led the Vikings to a 77-49 record and back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2008 and 2009.

"We will begin the process of naming the next head coach immediately," said Moos. "I will not be discussing details of the hiring process, only that I expect to name the new coach as soon as possible.”