Texas Tech University Athletics
Dickey Dismissed as Head Basketball Coach
March 10, 2001 | Men's Basketball
March 9, 2001
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech Director of Athletics Gerald Myers and University President Dr. David Schmidly announced in an afternoon press conference today that James Dickey has been dismissed as head men's basketball at Texas Tech University.
"These situations are always difficult to address," Myers said. "We had to evaluate what was good for Texas Tech and the program. We made the decision that we felt was the best decision.
"The program wasn't successful and this was the right decision for the program. I felt this change was needed to get the program back on track."
Dickey amassed 166 wins over 10 seasons, including the school-record 30-2 season and NCAA Sweet Sixteen appearance in 1996. He was a two-time Southwest Conference Coach of the Year and garnered NABC District 7 Coach of the Year honors on four occasions. In addition to the 1996 NCAA Tournament appearance, Dickey led the Red Raiders to another NCAA trip and a NIT showing.
Fortunes reversed following the 1996-97 regular season when the Red Raiders withdrew from the NCAA Tournament after violations were uncovered within the Texas Tech athletic program. The men's basketball program suffered through four seasons of reduced scholarships, including two this season. The sanctions will be lifted for the 2001-02 season.
After posting an impressive 119-58 record over his first six seasons, Dickey's teams struggled the following four seasons with a 47-66 record.
"We assessed and reviewed what we thought was in the best interest of the University," Schmidly said. "I don't think that there is anything wrong with evaluating a person's performance."
