Fansided

Georgetown parts ways with head coach John Thompson III

ByNathaniel Reeves|
Mar 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Georgetown Hoyas head coach John Thompson III reacts against the Villanova Wildcats during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Georgetown Hoyas head coach John Thompson III reacts against the Villanova Wildcats during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Georgetown Hoyas will be looking for a new basketball head basketball coach after parting ways with longtime head coach John Thompson III.

Following a disappointing 2016-17 season, the Georgetown Hoyas will be in the market for a new basketball coach.

Georgetown will head in a new direction after parting ways with longtime head coach John Thompson III on Thursday afternoon, according to Jeff Goodman of ESPN.

Thompson III had been at the helm of Georgetown since 2004, compiling a career record of 278-151 with the Hoyas. Georgetown reached the NCAA Tournament eight times under Thompson III, including a Final Four appearance back in 2007.

The program has undeniably been on a downward trajectory since 2010, with just two wins in the Big Dance since. Thompson III’s teams have become known for underperforming in March, including a loss to 14 seed Ohio in 2010 followed by the infamous defeat against 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast in 2013, when Thompson III arguably had his best team ever.

Georgetown has really cratered over the past two seasons with a combined 29-36 record and pair of NCAA Tournament misses. L.J. Peak’s decision to enter the NBA Draft yesterday leaves Georgetown with just eight scholarship players for next season, which could have factored into the decision to part ways with Thompson III.

Fans have been calling for Thompson III’s dismissal for a number of years following the series of early March exits. Thompson III likely stuck around so long due to his father, who led Georgetown to the 1984 national championship and still has a major influence on every decision the program makes.

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Due to the continued involvement of the Thompson family, it would not be a surprise to see former player Patrick Ewing get the job. Tom Crean could also be a fit after recruiting the D.C. area well during his tenure at Indiana.