Kyle Keller’s race ended in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Stephen F. Austin announced he had fired Keller on Wednesday afternoon, marking the first major firing of the 2024-2025 campaign. Assistant coach Tony Jasek will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
“We want to thank Kyle for his positive contributions and leadership over the past nine seasons, including memorable and iconic victories in some of the most sacred sites in college basketball that will forever be engraved in the history of the Saudi Sports Federation,” athletic director Michael McBroom said in a statement. “For everyone.” statement. “We wish him well in his future opportunities.”
Although the Lumberjacks had a rough start, Keller went on to have a great run with the program. Hired to replace Brad Underwood prior to the 2016-17 season, he had three 20-win seasons in his nine campaigns with the school. They won the Southland Conference title in 2018 by going 28-7 and reached the NCAA Tournament, despite falling in the first round.
Although this was their only appearance in the tournament, the Lumberjacks were then stunned by a rejection. 1 Duke in overtime the following year on a buzzer beater at Cameron Indoor Stadium. This snapped Duke’s 150-game home winning streak against non-conference opponents.
In total, Keller went 171-95 in his nine seasons at Stephen F. Austin. He also won the Southland Coach of the Year award during the 2019-20 season. They went 28-3 that season and were on pace to make the NCAA Tournament, although it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stephen F. Austin holds just an 8-11 record this season and is 1-7 in conference play. The Lumberjacks have lost three straight games and five of their last six heading into Saturday’s game against Northwestern State.
