The athletic director at Wright State University on the outskirts of Dayton, a fellow named Bob Grant, is taking heat from media, fans and coaches alike over his decision to fire men’s basketball coach Billy Donlon.
The 39-year-old Donlon just polished off a 22-13 season with a school-record 13 conference wins and a third trip to the Horizon League championship game in the last four years. He led the Raiders to three 20-win seasons and one of 19 wins. His record in six seasons is 109-94, 53-49 in the Horizon.
Grant made clear his reasons for the decision: no NCAA or NIT tournament appearances — “those little gold nuggets,” he called them — and declining attendance.