Tennesse-Martin hoops coach James won't return

Mar 3, 2014 - 4:48 PM Martin, TN (SportsNetwork.com) - Tennessee-Martin men's basketball coach Jason James will not return next season.

Tennessee-Martin athletic director Julio Freire made the announcement Monday, two days after the Skyhawks completed an 8-23 season and failed to reach the Ohio Valley Tournament after a 3-13 conference mark.

James spent the past 12 seasons at UT Martin, including the last five as head coach. He posted an overall record of 37-117 with a 15-69 mark in the OVC.

"I would like to personally thank Coach James for his 12 years of service to the UT Martin men's basketball program," Freire said in a statement. "He conducted the program with the highest degree of integrity. This was a tough decision to make. I took a hard look at how the program has developed over Coach James' five years as the head coach from several different angles -- recruiting, player development, postseason success -- in short, the comprehensive success of the program. In the end, I felt that I needed to recommend to Chancellor Rakes that we move in a new direction. It is my responsibility to provide our student-athletes with the best opportunities to reach their fullest potential academically, athletically and socially."

Only twice during James' tenure did the Skyhawks reach the OVC Tournament.