Holy Cross fires Brown after 5 seasons

Mar 6, 2015 - 7:49 PM Worcester, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - Holy Cross has fired head men's basketball coach Milan Brown after five seasons.

Holy Cross athletic director Nathan Pine made the announcement Friday, a day after the Crusaders lost to Bucknell in overtime in the Patriot League Tournament quarterfinals.

Brown, who was hired in April 2010 to replace Sean Kearney, went 69-83 in his five seasons with the Crusaders, including 42-43 against conference opponents.

"I am disappointed that we must make this change, but the success of our men's basketball program has not been commensurate with our competitive expectations under coach Brown's leadership," Pine said in a statement announcing the decision. "I thank coach Brown for all his efforts at Holy Cross and his many contributions to the college community, especially his care and concern for our student-athletes."

Brown coached two winning teams, in 2011-12 and 2013-14. He signed an extension in July 2012 that was to keep him under contract through next season.

"A personnel decision like this is always difficult and affects a great many people," Pine said. "We are fortunate to have very talented student-athletes who are committed to working hard in our men's basketball program, and I am optimistic for our future."