BREAKING: Mississippi State Fires Rick Ray

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) — After three seasons in Starkville, the men’s basketball program will be looking for a new head coach.

Rick Ray was fired on Saturday by Mississippi State after a season that fell below expectations.

(MSU Athletics)
Rick Ray has been fired after three seasons with the Bulldogs.

In a statement from athletic director Scott Stricklin, he addressed his decision:

“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 was 37-60 overall in his three seasons as head coach of the Bulldogs, 13-41 in SEC play. WCBI will have more on this story as it develops.