Alabama Parts Ways With Men's Basketball Coach Avery Johnson

Alabama's 2018-19 season ended with a first-round loss in the NIT.

Alabama has parted ways with head men's basketball coach Avery Johnson, the University announced Sunday.

The Crimson Tide were working to negotiate a buyout with Johnson earlier in the week, Goodman first reported Thursday.

The decision to replace Johnson came after the Crimson Tide ended their 2018-19 campaign with an opening-round 80–79 loss to Norfolk State in the NIT.  

Johnson articulated a desire to remain in Tuscaloosa after the loss, telling reporters, “I love being the coach here at Alabama. That’s my plan."

He continued: “I made that crystal clear to [Alabama athletics director] Greg [Byrne] in our meeting. And hopefully they feel the same way. But I’m committed to it. I still have time left, obviously on my contract.”

The Crimson Tide have only gone to one NCAA tournament in Johnson's four seasons at the helm, compiling a 75–62 record during that span.

Johnson is due $8 million on his contract, which was extended through 2023 in August 2017. He replaced Anthony Grant as Alabama's coach following the 2015 season.