Mississippi State Fires Rick Ray

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI Sports) – Mississippi State University has fired head men’s basketball coach Rick Ray.

The move, announced shortly after noon Saturday, came after Ray compiled a 37-60 record, 13-41 in the SEC, during his three seasons in Starkville. MSU said that it already has candidates in mind for his replacement.

Athletic Director Scott Stricklin released this statement:

“After much thought and deliberation, I have made the decision to replace Rick Ray as Mississippi State’s men’s basketball coach. This has been a difficult decision, as I have the utmost respect for Rick, and am highly appreciative of the effort he put forth in leading our basketball program. To Rick’s credit, we have seen great strides from our student-athletes in several areas, including academics. However, the on-court results have not been satisfactory. In order for MSU to achieve success at the levels to which we aspire, I believe that a change is necessary at this time.”

“Men’s basketball is important to Mississippi State University, and history illustrates that we can compete for championships on a consistent basis. MSU has won six SEC championships, in four different decades, under three different coaches. We have seen the Bulldogs play in the sport’s final weekend, and I firmly believe there are more achievements like those in our future.”

“The search for a new head coach begins immediately, and I’m confident we will identify someone who wants to be a part of the winning culture that is occurring at Mississippi State University.”

Ray released this statement:

“I am saddened by the events today. Not for myself but for the players who have sacrificed their bodies and mind for me and the program; for the signed and committed recruits who have to go through a coaching change after taking SO much time and effort to make an educated decision about what is best for them and their future and choosing me as their next coach, mentor, and role model but now have to go through the gut wrenching process again; for my staff who worked tirelessly to hold our players accountable, to develop our players on and off the court, to recruit true student-athletes who hold up to my high standards as human beings and citizens, and for their undying loyalty to me and Mississippi State.”

“But a decision has been made and I want to thank Dr. Keenum and Scott Stricklin for giving me the opportunity to lead their program. I want to thank the athletic administration and coaches, especially John Cohen, Dan Mullen, and Vic Schaefer for all of their help and support. The high school and AAU coaches in this area have welcomed me and my staff with open arms and have been a complete pleasure to deal with and I am thankful for that. And most importantly the Mississippi State community, alums, fans, and former players for being SO kind to me and my family and making us feel at home and at peace. You truly showed us the definition of family and southern hospitality.”

Ray had two years left on his contract. MSU will have to honor at least a portion of the money owed to him.

Many within the program were surprised by the firing. Ray himself voiced his expectations of a return for a fourth season two weeks ago to the Clarion-Ledger.

“I’ve never had any situation at all from the administration that they are displeased with where we are at this point in time. I think those guys believe in me.”

Stricklin declined to comment on Ray’s job status on numerous occasions after the season ended.