Providence Fires Kim English

This move comes as a surprise to many, as Providence had announced a six-year contract extension for English in April 2024, which was intended to keep him with the Friars through the 2029-30 season. English was originally hired in March 2023, signing an initial six-year deal. In his first season (2023-24), English led the Friars to a 21-14 record, becoming the first head coach in program history to win at least 20 games in his inaugural season. That year, the team finished 10-10 in Big East play and earned a bid to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The team's performance has since declined, with a 12-20 record in the 2024-25 season and a 14-16 record this season, leading to the decision to part ways. Over his tenure, English compiled an overall record of 42-50 with the Friars, and a 20-36 record in the Big East. English's hiring came after the departure of previous head coach Ed Cooley, who left for Big East rival Georgetown after 12 seasons with Providence. Before his time at Providence, English was the head coach at George Mason, where he led the Patriots to a 20-13 record in the 2022-23 season. The search for a new head coach begins at a crucial time, as the transfer portal and recruiting landscape continue to evolve. The new coach will be the 17th in the program's history. Under English, Providence saw guard Devin Carter flourish and become the Big East Player of the Year before being selected as the 13th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. The Friars have a storied basketball history, including two Final Four appearances in 1973 and 1987. The program won the Big East tournament in 1994 and 2014, and the regular-season championship in 2022.