SMU fires basketball coach Doherty

Mar 13, 2012 - 11:58 PM Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - Saying it was time for a change, SMU fired head men's basketball coach Matt Doherty on Tuesday after six seasons.

Doherty, who was hired in April 2006, posted a record of 80-109 at SMU and is 170-180 in 11 seasons overall as a head coach.

"I appreciate Matt's efforts and service here at SMU," athletic director Steve Orsini said in a statement. "He always represented the university with class and I never doubted his effort or desire to win, but it was time for a change. We wish him the best."

In December, SMU accepted an invitation to join the Big East in all sports starting in 2013 and Orsini said the goal is to build a top-25 basketball program and compete for a Big East championship.

The Mustangs finished 13-19 this season and had a 4-12 mark in Conference USA play. They were knocked out of the conference tournament by Marshall in the first round.

"I understand that this is a business and, at the end of the day, we simply didn't win enough games," Doherty said in a statement. "However, I am grateful to the players and staff for their hard work and the way they represented the university. I always stressed to them the importance of controlling what you can control -- your attitude and effort. They were great about focusing on every practice and game. I think that shows the type of character these young men possess. I wish SMU and these young men nothing but success."

Prior to being hired by SMU, Doherty spent one season as head coach at Florida Atlantic.

Earlier, a good season at Notre Dame in 1999-2000 -- his first-ever as a head coach -- landed Doherty at North Carolina, his alma mater, where he went 26-7 in his first season and won numerous coach of the year awards.

He was eventually let go by UNC for Roy Williams.