Reacting to coach Cuonzo Martin’s firing

Cuonzo Martin has been fired as the Missouri head men’s basketball coach. The Tribune was on hand to talk it through.

Columbia Daily Tribune sports editor Chris Kwiecinski and Tribune and photojournalist Madeline Carter discuss Martin’s firing and reflect on his tenure. Also among the discussion: Who could potentially replace Martin at the helm?

Martin was fired on Friday after a disappointing 12-21 season. His replacement will mark Missouri’s third coach in the past eight years.

For subscribers:Coaching candidates Mizzou basketball could consider to replace Cuonzo Martin

Missouri won just 11 regular-season games and lost 13 games by at least 10 points. Martin finishes his tenure with a 78-77 record overall and a 35-53 record in SEC play.

Now, a national search for a new leader of the program will begin immediately. Former college basketball coach Eddie Fogler will assist Missouri in the search process as a search consultant.

“Coach Martin represented the university with an extremely high level of class and dignity,” athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois wrote in a statement. “He is a man of high character whom I have the upmost respect for, and we are grateful for his contributions to our program, on and off the floor.”