Internet reacts to news that Georgia, coach Mark Fox are expected to part ways
After nine seasons as Georgia’s basketball coach, Mark Fox and the school are expected to part ways, DawgNation has confirmed. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Goodman. The school has yet to confirm the news.
In his time at the school, Fox led the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances and turned what had been a dormant program into a team that at least contended for an NCAA Tournament bid in each of the last five seasons. But Fox had not won an NCAA Tournament game (and Georgia as a program hasn’t since 1996 if you don’t count its vacated 2002 win, which the NCAA does not) and the 2017-18 team underachieved despite having The Associated Press’ SEC Player of the Year in Yante Maten.
In his nine seasons in Athens, Fox went 163-133, including 18-15 this season. He was the second longest tenured SEC coach, behind only Kentucky’s John Calipari, who was also hired in 2009. Prior to his time at Georgia, Fox was the coach at Nevada.
The move doesn’t come as a total surprise after Georgia’s run in the SEC Tournament ended with a 62-49 loss to Kentucky on Friday. Fans still took to Twitter to react to the news and also to thank Fox for the work he did at Georgia.
And we thought the coaching turnover in CFB this off-season was extensive….
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) March 10, 2018
We all knew it was coming. Although it’s not yet official: THANK YOU @coachmarkfox for everything you’ve given & poured into this program. Your outstanding development of leaders & men will forever outshine any win/loss record. We appreciate you & wish you the absolute best. #DGD
— Tyler Badger (@tbadger23) March 10, 2018
Mark Fox is a good guy but that’s it. Hoping to see our basketball program get to where it could be with all the in state talent
— Connor Boston (@cboston10) March 10, 2018
I honestly feel bad for Mark Fox. He's a good coach. Just like Andy Kennedy.
— BrittAny Coulter🏀 (@XFearlessXBritt) March 10, 2018
thank you @coachmarkfox #DGD
— Matt Lauritsen (@mattlauritsen) March 10, 2018
Mark Fox is a good basketball coach, Georgia is making a mistake.
— Charlie Robinson (@CRobWVReds) March 10, 2018
So sad to hear about @coachmarkfox he will be a great hire for any program! Can not wait to see where he lands he is a proven winner!
— Drew Joyce (@djoycemo) March 10, 2018
Georgia is the second SEC program to part ways with a coach this season, as Andy Kennedy resigned from his post at Ole Miss in February. The Connecticut job also became open on Saturday, as that school fired Kevin Ollie. Former Indiana coach Tom Crean and former Ohio State coach Thad Matta have been listed among the names expected to be in the running for Georgia’s opening. Current assistant Jonas Hayes is also a possible candidate.
