In an official release, Georgia Tech confirmed the firing of head coach Paul Hewitt. The announcement came today from Yellow Jackets Athletic Director Dan Radakovich who also said that a national search for Hewitt's replacement would being immediately.
Here is the full release from the Georgia Tech athletic department:
ATLANTA – Head men’s basketball coach Paul Hewitt has been relieved
of his duties after 11 seasons at Georgia Tech.
The announcement came today from Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich,
who said that a national search for Hewitt’s replacement would begin
immediately.
Hewitt’s team concluded the 2010-11 season Thursday night with a
59-43 loss to Virginia Tech in the opening round of the ACC Tournament
in Greensboro, N.C. The Yellow Jackets finished 13-18 overall, 5-11 in
the ACC.
“I am very appreciative of Paul Hewitt’s dedication to Georgia Tech
for the last 11 years,” Radakovich said. “Paul is an outstanding
person who has made a positive impact on so many of our
student-athletes.”
Hewitt, who took over for Bobby Cremins prior to the 2000-01 season,
produced a record of 190-162 in 11 seasons with the Yellow Jackets. His
overall career coaching record stands at 256-189 in 14 seasons.
The 12th head coach in Georgia Tech history, Hewitt led Georgia Tech to
five NCAA Tournament appearances including the Final Four in 2004. He
was the ACC Coach of the Year in 2004 and the Black Coaches Association
National Coach of the Year in 2004.
More recently, however, the Yellow Jackets have suffered three losing
seasons over the last four years.
"President (Dr. Bud) Peterson and I have been in constant communication
and we both concur that this decision is in the best interest of Georgia
Tech and our athletic program,” Radakovich said. “Today we will
begin a quest to re-engage our fan base and set about to bring new
energy and enthusiasm to Georgia Tech basketball."
Hewitt came to Georgia Tech after posting a 66-27 won-loss record in
three seasons as the head coach at Siena. Prior to Siena, Hewitt spent
five seasons (1992-97) as an assistant coach at Villanova under head
coach Steve Lappas.