Penn terminates head coach Steve Donahue's contract after 9 years

Pennsylvania has terminated the employment of coach Steve Donahue after nine years, as announced by the school on Monday.

The Quakers concluded the season with a record of 8-19, marking the worst performance during Donahue's tenure. In his nine seasons in Philadelphia, Donahue's overall record stands at 131-130. Penn was Donahue's third head coaching position.

In a statement, Director of Athletics Alanna Wren expressed gratitude for Donahue's lengthy leadership and dedication to Penn basketball and its student-athletes. She also acknowledged his commitment to Ivy values and representation of the university. However, the team's lack of success on the court did not meet the school's standards.

At the age of 62, Donahue guided Penn to the NCAA Tournament in 2018, but the team has since finished in seventh place in the Ivy League for two consecutive seasons.

Donahue's overall record at Cornell (2000-2010), Boston College (2010-2014), and Penn stands at 331-344. He previously served as an assistant coach at Penn from 1991-2000.

Penn has enlisted the help of an executive search firm to conduct a nationwide search for a new coach.