Norm Roberts has been fired as the St. John’s men’s basketball coach after six seasons, the University announced Friday.
According to multiple reports, Roberts and his agent, Dennis Coleman, met with Athletic Director Chris Monasch Thursday at Coleman’s office, where he was informed of the school’s decision to part ways.
St. John’s also announced that “an immediate national search” has begun to find Roberts’ replacement.
Virginia Tech’s Seth Greenberg and Hofstra’s Tom Pecora are among the list of candidates, according to a New York Post report last week.
A press conference is scheduled to take place Friday afternoon.
“Coach Roberts took over a very challenging situation and has advanced our program in many respects,” said Monasch in a press release.
“We have high expectations for our program. Along with demanding that our program is run with integrity and that our student-athletes achieve academically and in the community, we expect a high level of success on the court consistent with our tradition.”
Since taking over the program in 2004, Roberts compiled an 81-101 record. The Red Storm ended this season with their best record under the Roberts Era (17-16) and a NIT berth, their first since 2003.
The firing comes after the Red Storm upset UConn, 73-51, in the first round of the Big East Conference Tournament, a 57-55 loss to Marquette in the next round and a 73-71 buzzer-beater defeat to Memphis in the opening round of the NIT that ended their season.
Roberts said St. John’s was very supportive of his tenure as head coach and he enjoyed the experience.
“Having grown up in Queens, I never could have imagined being afforded the opportunity to coach at one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the country,” said Roberts in a statement.
“I do believe the program is in a much stronger position than when I arrived, and is poised to take a major step up both in the BIG EAST and nationally. This is due to the hard work of our coaching staff and our players, and I wish this group of young men continued success in the future.”
