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Stadium’s Jeff Goodman reported that Saint Joseph’s men’s basketball head coach, Phil Martelli will not be returning next season.
Phil Martelli will no longer be the coach at St. Joe’s, source told @Stadium
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 19, 2019
Martelli has been involved with the program since 1985. He started out as an assistant before he was named head coach in 1995. Saint Joseph’s came out with an official statement today regarding their actions.
“Today, Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) announced its decision to make a leadership change in its men’s basketball program. The University will immediately begin a search for a new head coach, with the goal of filling the position in the coming weeks. Coach Phil Martelli stands among out among his peers in college basketball not only for his long tenure and the many accolades that he and his teams have achieved, but also for his engagement with the community and his service as an ambassador for SJU. The University recognizes and celebrates the history and heart that Coach Martelli brought to the program and thanks him for his long service, dedication and stewardship.”
Martelli has an overall record of 444-328 with the Hawks and has led them to seven NCAA tournaments. According to The Spun, the 2004 AP coach of the Year has also “won the Atlantic 10 regular-season title four times and the league’s conference tournament three times.”
This past season the Hawks finished with an overall record of 14-19, and a subpar conference record of 6-12. As of right now, there are no known candidates that Saint Joseph’s is considering in replacing Martelli.
Hawk’s fans will have to wait to find out who their new head coach is.