Missouri has dismissed longtime softball coach Ehren Earleywine just two weeks before the start of the regular season.
The dismissal ends Earleywine's turbulent 11 seasons in charge of the program, a tenure during which the Tigers enjoyed consistent success on the field in the Big 12 and the SEC but also encountered controversy as to his coaching style.
In a statement released by the school, Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk cited concerns about Earleywine's stewardship.
"We do not take action of this magnitude without careful thought and consideration," Sterk said. "However, we have lost confidence in Coach Earleywine's leadership to foster the type of healthy environment we expect for our student-athletes, and as a result, believe it is in the program's best interest to make a change at this time.