Crimson Red Sports

John Pelphrey was fired as the head basketball coach at Arkansas on Sunday, ending a rocky four-year career at the school.

Pelphrey learned of his fate during an end of the season meeting with Arkansas athletics director Jeff Long Sunday morning. He is expected to meet with the team this afternoon before the school officially announces the coaching change. Long is expected to hold a press conference tonight but released a statement on the firing.

“After a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of our men’s basketball program, including an assessment of the overall student-athlete experience within our program, it is clear that we have not made the progress over the last four years that is necessary to return Razorback Basketball to a place of national relevance.” Long said. “As a program, our initial goals are to challenge for Southeastern Conference championships, compete in the NCAA Tournament and support our student-athletes in the pursuit of a degree. Our program’s tradition demonstrates those goals are certainly attainable at the University of Arkansas.

“The University of Arkansas has a proud tradition in basketball including playing in one of college basketball’s best arenas, Bud Walton Arena, and in front of the nation’s most passionate fans. It is because of this passion that we seek to elevate our program on and off the court.”