After finishing his second season as the Cincinnati Bearcats head coach at 12-11 and losing to Houston in the AAC Championship Game, he had six players hit the transfer portal. All four his the 2020 class hit the portal as well as Zach Harvey and Mamoudou Diarra. The talent in the freshman class gave the fans hope, but with them all hitting the portal it raised a lot of eyebrows for everyone involved.
After this crazy season that had opt-outs, opt-ins and people just leave the team, it seems fitting that Brannen has lost his job. Last season he had Jay Sorolla leave and a back and forth with star Jarron Cumberland. All of those situations were signs, but nobody expected the 2020-21 season to go like this and now the Bearcats are searching for a new head coach.
Sources: Cincinnati is expected to part ways with John Brannen. Official announcement expected soon.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 9, 2021
Athletic Director John Cunningham’s statement:
Dear Bearcats:
This afternoon, we informed Men’s Basketball Head Coach John Brannen that he has been relieved of his duties effective immediately. Tim Morris will serve as Interim Head Coach while we conduct a comprehensive nationwide search for a new leader of our men’s basketball program.
The decision to move in a new direction comes after a thorough review of our program, which included conversations with student-athletes, coaches and staff, as well as with Coach Brannen. Ultimately, the University is acting in the best interests of our student-athletes and of the institution, and this decision is reflective of our commitment to both, as well as to our values that we hold dear. As this is a personnel matter, we are unable to provide further details of the program review or the decision.
We will work quickly but judiciously in finding a new head coach. With a passionate fan base, strong tradition and history, elite facilities, and a collective commitment to success, we are confident that we will have a deep pool of candidates. We will continue to engage with and support our student-athletes during this transition.
Thank you for your patience. We look forward to cheering on the Bearcats together in Fifth Third Arena next season.
Sincerely,
John Cunningham
Director of Athletics
