Mississippi State parts ways with head basketball coach Ben Howland

Mississippi State University has parted ways with their men’s head basketball coach Ben Howland.

The Bulldogs’ organization made the announcement on Thursday that went into effect immediately.

“We are appreciative of the time and effort Coach Howland devoted in leading our men’s basketball program,” John Cohen said. “We thank him for his investment in the lives of our student-athletes and pouring his heart and soul into our program from the day he arrived in Starkville. There’s no question he left our program better than he found it. MSU owes a debt of gratitude to Coach Howland, and we have the utmost respect for him as a coach and person. Coach Howland is one of the best basketball minds in the country and a future College Basketball Hall of Famer. He and his wife Kim have been tremendous ambassadors to Mississippi State and the Starkville community during their seven years here. On behalf of the entire Mississippi State Family, we wish them the absolute best.”

Howland has led MSU since 2015 where he compiled a 134-98 record.

Cohen announced that a national search is underway for the next coach who will take MSU into the future.

“Throughout Mississippi State’s men’s basketball history, we have shown that we can compete for championships at the highest level. Serving as the head men’s basketball coach at Mississippi State is an outstanding opportunity, and the position will be highly sought after. That is a testament to our great university, our passionate and loyal fan base, and our hard-working young men who proudly represent our program. We are confident we will find a new head coach who will elevate our program and position our student-athletes to compete for championships while playing an exciting brand of basketball.”