Bruce Weber Stepping Down As Kansas State Mens Basketball Coach
The Kansas State Wildcats men's basketball team and Bruce Weber announced on Monday that Weber would step down as head coach. Weber had been with the program for nine seasons and had led the Wildcats to four NCAA tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2018.
The Announcement
The announcement of Weber's departure was made on Monday by Kansas State Athletic Director Gene Taylor. In a statement, Taylor praised Weber for his contributions to the program and said that Weber had done "an excellent job leading our men's basketball program." Taylor went on to say that the school would immediately begin a national search for Weber's replacement.
Weber's Tenure
Weber took over as head coach of the Wildcats before the 2012-2013 season, replacing Frank Martin. His first season was a success, as the Wildcats made it to the NCAA tournament and advanced to the round of 64. The following season, Kansas State made it to the NIT tournament.
Weber's best season with the Wildcats came in 2017-2018 when the team made it to the Elite Eight before losing to Loyola Chicago. In all, Weber led the Wildcats to four NCAA tournament appearances in his nine seasons as head coach.
The Reasons for Weber's Departure
The reasons for Weber's departure are not entirely clear. Some reports have indicated that it was a mutual decision between Weber and the school, while others have suggested that Weber was pushed out by the school.
One possible factor in the decision may have been Weber's recent struggles on the recruiting trail. In recent years, Kansas State has not been able to attract top-tier recruits, which has made it difficult for the team to compete at the highest level.
Possible Replacements
With the departure of Weber, the school will be in the market for a new head coach. Some possible names that have been mentioned as potential replacements include:
- Gregg Marshall, former head coach at Wichita State
- Chris Beard, head coach at Texas Tech
- Bruce Pearl, head coach at Auburn
Whoever the school selects to be the new head coach will have big shoes to fill. Weber was highly respected in the coaching community and had a successful tenure at Kansas State. The new coach will need to be able to maintain the high level of success that Weber established during his time at the school.
Conclusion
Bruce Weber's departure as head coach of the Kansas State men's basketball team marks the end of an era for the program. Weber had a successful tenure with the Wildcats, leading them to four NCAA tournament appearances and an Elite Eight appearance in 2018. The reasons for his departure are not entirely clear, but the school will now begin a national search for his replacement. Whoever is selected as the new head coach will have big shoes to fill and will need to be able to maintain the high level of success that Weber established during his time at the school.