TCU is headed to the Big 12, but basketball coach Jim
Christian won't be going with the Horned Frogs.
Rumors began surfacing Sunday that Christian was hired away by Ohio University.
On Monday, TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte issued a release stating that
Christian would not be returning.
Ohio's website on Monday invited fans to watch the announcement of the new
men's basketball coach in a news conference at 1 p.m. ET Tuesday.
Ohio is a member of the Mid-American Conference, as is Kent State where
Christian coached for six years prior to coming to TCU. Christian led Kent
State to five postseason berths: two NCAA tournament appearances and three NIT berths.
Christian had just completed his fourth season at TCU with a 56-73 record and
one postseason berth: the College Basketball Invitational this season. The
Horned Frogs' 18-15 record in 2011-12 was also Christian's only winning season
at TCU.
"We appreciate Jim's contributions to TCU and wish him the best," Del
Conte said in the statement. "A national search for a new head coach will
begin immediately. With our entrance into the Big 12, the momentum on the TCU
campus and the great city of Fort Worth, we are very excited about the future
of our men's basketball program."
Christian's departure leaves two major college basketball openings in
Dallas-Fort Worth. SMU is also seeking a coach after firing Matt Doherty last
month. While TCU begins play in the Big 12 next season, SMU is set to join the
Big East in 2013-14.
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
