Infignos Media - Athletic director speaks after firing UAB coach Mike Davis

From Sports

Brought to you by Artificial Limb & Brace

At Artificial Limb & Brace Center, it is our mission to provide people with orthotic and prosthetic services and products using the most reliable technology to give them the best results possible. Call us at 256-236-2562.

Athletic director speaks after firing UAB coach Mike Davis

Saturday, March 17, 2012

UAB's Athletic Director Brian Mackin spoke to the media Friday at 4 p.m. after the Blazers' head basketball coach Mike Davis was fired earlier in the day. Mackin says he looked at big picture of the program of where the team is now and made an evaluation based on the "full body of work" of the past six years Davis coached the Blazers. He cited an increase in apathy among the fan base, a drop of attendance at basketball games and a decrease in revenue from ticket sales among the factors that led to the decision. "I evaluate the program on an annual basis. Having done a post-season analysis every year, it wasn't just this year that I made this decision. It's over the full body of work on a lot of fronts," he said. According to UAB, Davis compiled a record of 122-73 (.626) during his six seasons. Under Davis, the Blazers reached the NCAA Tournament once (2011) and made three NIT appearances. In the past 34 years of UAB's basketball program, the team has only experienced three losing seasons. Mackin noted that two of those losing seasons have been during Davis' six years as coach, including this year's season of 15-16.

Mackin said he met with Davis on Wednesday to talk through the options in front of them. He spoke with Davis Friday around 11 a.m. to make the final decision to fire him as head coach. He says he took into account the fact that Davis still has one year left on his contract but felt it was in UAB's best interests to move forward under new leadership. "If Mike is not going to be the long-term coach, I made the decision to go ahead, start the process to release him," Mackin said. The athletic director says the search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

Mackin says he believes the UAB basketball program has made a mark nationally, and described the now-open coaching position as a "high-profile job." Mackin says he hopes to have a new coach hired in time to recruit once signing dates begin April 11. He noted that several basketball teams are still in the post-season playoffs and potential candidates could be involved in those games. "I do not expect any short-comings in coaches wanting to be hired for this job," Mackin stated. "We were birthed in basketball and the early success of our program put UAB athletics on the map in the early 80s," Mackin said during I take great pride in this hire, I think it will be a very important hire for our program. I think this city expects that," he said. Davis stated that this is a tough time and that he needs to take care of his family. He says he will respond about the termination at a later time.

Here's More...

Dental Health is Important for Children's 'Baby Teeth'

only 63 percent of children ages two to four see the dentist at least annually.

Lamb Chops and Red Wine: A Perfect Easter Pairing

consider a classic red variety like Cabernet Sauvignon.

Alabama Department of Public Health issues 2016 Fish Consumption

advisory may place the consumer at risk for harm from the contaminant.

Aquarium animals and plants should never be released in the wild

Releasing aquatic plants is illegal

Keywords: athletic director, UAB, Mike Davis, coach, basketball, Blazers

Visit Sports