On Sunday, Alabama director of athletics Bill Battle announced men’s basketball coach Anthony Grant will not return next year.
“Earlier today, I informed Anthony Grant that he will not be retained as head men’s basketball coach at the University of Alabama,” Battle said in a statement. “This decision was reached only after a great deal of deliberation, but I feel it is in the best interests of the basketball program to make a change in leadership. This has been a very difficult decision, as I have the highest respect for Anthony as a coach, as a molder of young men, and as a person.
“Anthony is a man of impeccable character who has been an excellent representative of our program. He has made tremendous contributions to our program and we always will be grateful for his efforts. Anthony, his wife Chris, and their children have been tremendous assets to our University and our community.
“In this business we are ultimately judged by wins and losses on the court and, for a variety of reasons, we haven’t made satisfactory progress in that area. We have a great university, and an excellent athletics program that has expectations for all of our teams to meet the highest standards in competition, in the classroom and in the community.
“Today’s decision is part of a larger evaluation of every facet of our basketball program that is intended to improve every aspect of our basketball program. A key component in that effort is to get all of our fans pulling in the same direction, and to make Coleman Coliseum the best home court advantage in the SEC.
“Out of respect for our players and coaches, I will make no further comment regarding this decision or the coaching search. I want to extend my complete support to our players and our coaching staff. We will immediately begin a national search for a new head men’s basketball coach.”
In his six years at Alabama, Grant compiled a 117-85 record. He made two NIT appearances in 2011 and 2013 and one NCAA appearance in 2012. This year’s run in the SEC tournament ended with a 69-61 loss to Florida, a team Alabama hasn’t beaten since 2008.
