• USC fires Bibby as basketball coach USC fires Bibby as basketball coach LOS ANGELES — Henry Bibby was fired as Southern California’s basketball coach Monday, just four games into his ninth season. The Trojans, beset by some player dissension,
• USC fires Bibby as basketball coach
USC fires Bibby as basketball coach
LOS ANGELES — Henry Bibby was fired as Southern California’s basketball coach Monday, just four games into his ninth season.
The Trojans, beset by some player dissension, are 2-2.
“I understand that the timing of this is unorthodox,” athletic director Mike Garrett said in a statement. “But I feel strongly that our men’s basketball program needs to go in a different direction. And it was obvious to me that change had to be made now.”
Assistant Jim Saia was appointed interim coach for the rest of the season.
Bibby had an overall record of 131-111. His 1997, 2001 and 2002 teams made it to the NCAA tournament, including a final eight appearance in 2001.
Bibby is a former NBA player and the father of Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby.
Bibby’s future was in question after last season, when the Trojans won just 13 games, though he said before the season that he felt no added pressure.
“For what reason should I feel a sense of urgency?” he said.
Saia, 40, was an assistant at UCLA for the past seven seasons.
