CHESTNUT HILL – FEBRUARY 6: Boston College head basketball coach Jim Christian is on the court side during … [+]
Boston Globe through Getty Images
Boston College announced Monday that it has fired senior men’s basketball coach Jim Christian. Assistant coach Scott Spinelli will coach the Eagles for the rest of the season.
Christian completed his seven-year tenure at Boston College with a total record of 78-132 (.371), including an ACC mark of 26-94 (.217).
Boston College said it would begin a “national investigation” to replace Christian. Some potential candidates include former Michigan coach John Beilein, Loyola coach Porter Moser, Yale coach James Jones, Vermont coach John Becker, Michigan assistant and former BC star Howard Eisley and St. Louis coach. Bonaventure and alum BC Mark Schmidt.
“I know Jim gave everything he had to lead our program and mentor our student-athlete students,” said BC athletics director Pat Kraft. in a state. ”Ultimately, the program is not directed in the right direction and while I am reluctant to make a mid-season coach change in any sport, it is now the right time for us to look ahead. We wish Jim and his family every success. future efforts and thank them for their service to Boston College. “
Boston College is 3-13 this season, including a record of 1-9 in ACC play.
Christian’s best season at the Heights came in 2017-18. He led BC to a 19-win season – the biggest win by the BC men’s basketball team since the 2010-11 season – which ended on his return to the season. The 2017-18 season of the Eagles was marked by a win over the top Duke, a trip to the quarter finals of the 2018 ACC Championship, and a bid to the National Invitation Championship.
At least one parent of a player believes Spinelli should be given a vision to coach the team going forward.
“I’m all with Spinelli for now,” said the parent. “We’ll see how the rest of this season plays out. If it can change the way they play, it ‘s athletic and maybe steal game two, I say you keep it. “