University of Missouri head basketball coach Kim Anderson has been asked to step down, according to a release from the University.
MU director of athletics Jim Sterk explained the decision in a release.
"This decision has been very difficult for me personally because of the tremendous respect I have for Kim," Sterk said. "I know how hard he and his staff have worked to turn the program around over the last three years, however, the lack of on-court success has resulted in a significant drop in interest surrounding our program, and we could not afford for that to continue another year."
Anderson is the 18th men's basketball coach in Mizzou history. He has a 26-67 record at the school and 300-162 career record.
The release credits Anderson with making academic achievement a priority in his program with nine players earning grade point averages higher than 3.0 in 2016.
"Missouri is a special institution to my family and I, and I am grateful for having had the opportunity to serve as the head coach at my alma mater," Anderson said. "While we have faced significant challenges over the last three years and been unable to achieve the on-court results everyone would have liked, I do believe we have been able to stabilize the program while watching our players become responsible young men on and off the court."
Missouri is the 14th seed in the 2017 Southeaster Conference Tournament and faces off against 11th seed Auburn on Wednesday, March 18 at Bridgestone Arena.
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