Ole Miss Basketball: Andy Kennedy Stepping Down At End Of Season

After 12 seasons as head coach for Ole Miss basketball Andy Kennedy will parting ways with the University of Mississippi.

It was reported earlier today Ole Miss basketball head coach Andy Kennedy would be stepping down effective the end of the season. Of course, in 12 seasons coach Andy Kennedy has established himself as the winning-est basketball coach in Ole Miss history. Over that time Kennedy has compiled a 245-154 record and won SEC Coach of the Year honors twice in 2003 and 2007.

When reported on Twitter by Neal McReady there was little surprise from Ole Miss basketball fans at all. There were contract issues which arose prior to this season which led many Ole Miss fans to believe Kennedy’s days in Oxford were numbered. Of course with Ole Miss basketball (11-14, 4-8) winding down a rough season with a 0-9 road record. Right now, with just six games left in the season the Rebels are in the midst of a 5 game losing streak and have only won 9 of their last 12 games.

Writing Was On The Wall

Ole Miss Rebels Basketball

For many Ole Miss basketball fans the writing has been on the wall for Andy Kennedy. Many of us had questioned the heat of his seat even prior to the beginning of this season. When Ole Miss Chancellor Jeff Vitter declined to renew Kennedy’s contract this past year we knew the time was near.

Apparently Andy Kennedy saw the writing on the wall as well. Many Ole Miss basketball fans have already expected Kennedy may have ‘checked out’ on this season. After the hopes of a 20-win season and tourney play went out the window it seemed the wheels fell off. It seemed as tho the wind totally came out of the team’s sails.

Andy Kennedy is still a great coach and all he has done for Ole Miss basketball should always be appreciated. When he came to Oxford he took over a truly pathetic basketball program and put us back above mediocrity in the SEC and also on the national level. As a coach and a recruiter Andy Kennedy will always be a great coach. Of course, with his resume he will not be long without a head coaching position which will become better as well.

Kennedy on The Subject

We’ve all been able to enjoy Andy Kennedy behind a mic and Monday afternoon was no different. In his weekly press conference Kennedy announced his decision to step down after the season ends beside athletic director Ross Bjork. He discussed why he felt it was time for a change moving forward. Andy Kennedy stated,

"“I am regretful I could not take the program to the next level, but the program is in good shape moving forward.” ~Coach Andy Kennedy"

Kennedy indicated he felt the timing was right because of this and that team was in good shape moving forward for Ole Miss basketball and whoever takes over. Of course, after his surprise announcement Kennedy did take a few questions. When Kennedy was asked about his coaching future Kennedy stated he was ready to coach right now and was excited about any opportunities which may come.

Typical AK

Of course, Kennedy will always be great behind the mic and naturally he did take questions from the press after his announcement. When asked about his accountability on this season’s struggles Kennedy replied,

"“I knew that we had some issues but we always have issues…. I did not see some of the things that transpired and I’m accountable.” ~Coach Andy Kennedy"

We knew Andy Kennedy would leave us with a nugget to give us a good laugh. When Kennedy was asked about possibly going into television broadcasting, he replied,

"“I’ve got a face for radio.” ~Coach Andy Kennedy"

Next: AK's Top 5 Greatest Moments!

Right now, we have no idea what lies very far down the road for Ole Miss basketball or Andy Kennedy. However, we do know that Andy Kennedy loves Ole Miss and the Oxford community. We also know he will always be a part of the Ole Miss family. Kennedy has six games left in the regular season and the SEC tourney. He begins his farewell tour as Ole Miss tonight at The Pavilion as Ole Miss takes on the Arkanas Razorbacks. Thank you for the dedication and memroies AK and good luck to you and your family in the future. Hotty Toddy!