What to Know
- Phil Martelli is no longer the head men's basketball coach for Saint Joseph's University.
- Martelli spent 24 years as the head coach on Hawk Hill.
- St. Joe's says the search for a new coach is underway.
Hawk Hill needs a new men’s basketball coach.
After 24 years, including a magical undefeated regular season and Elite 8 run, Phil Martelli is out as coach of the Hawks.
“Athletics and @SJUHawks_MBB thank @PhilMartelliSJU for his long service, dedication and stewardship,” the university said in a series of tweets Tuesday morning.
(2/4) @SaintJosephs, Athletics and @SJUHawks_MBB thank @PhilMartelliSJU for his long service, dedication and stewardship. #THWND — Saint Joseph's (@saintjosephs) March 19, 2019
The Associated Press reported that the university fired Martelli.
Sports
In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
Martelli, 64, became head coach at St. Joe’s in 1995, after 10 years as an assistant.
His best season came in 2003-04 when he was named AP Coach of the Year after leading Jameer Nelson and the Hawks to an undefeated regular season. The Hawks that season lost in the Atlantic 10 Tournament then lost again in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament that season.
“Martelli stands out among his peers in college basketball on the court, in the community and as an ambassador for SJU,” the university tweeted.
Martelli's Hawks struggled to a 14-19 record this season. The last Hawks team with a winning record was in the 2015-2016 season.
Details of Martelli's departure weren't immediately available but a tweet makes it seem the recent subpar seasons played a role.
"As we move forward, we intend to build upon basketball’s storied history and important strategic value at SJU, instill a culture of excellence, and consistently compete for championships," the university tweeted.
St. Joe’s said the search for a new coach is immediately getting underway.
When reached by NBC Sports Philadelphia Tuesday, Martelli declined comment.
