Sunday College Carousel: Kent Out, Martin Stays

((HT: KVAL-TV Eugene))

University of Oregon's head basketball coach, Ernie Kent, has been fired before the end of the regular season.

Technically, Kent was fired after meeting with Oregon AD Mike Bellotti back on Monday after home losses to Cal and Stanford. Also coming out of that meeting, Kent's entire staff will be replaced, with the possible exception of assistant Kenny Payne.

Kent is 233-172 in 13 seasons with the Ducks. He has taken Oregon to five NCAA appearances- making it to the Elite Eight twice.

The past two seasons have been classified as "a big disappointment" for the team. Oregon was 8-23 last season, and is 14-15 losses this year.

There should be a press conference on either Sunday or Monday.

New arena= new head coach...
Where has the HQ heard that one before...???

Tom Davis has the scoop, thanks to our friends at KVAL-TV...


Elsewhere, the Octagon of Doom will have its ring leader for a while...

Frank Martin has agreed to and will sign a three-year extension to remain with Kansas State through the 2014-15 season, according to ESPN's Andy Katz.

Martin had two years remaining on his original deal. He'll get a salary increase, retroactive no less, that will move his salary from $760K to $1.2 million a year.

Now, if only Martin could invest in some decaf...

Pitino And Kent Staying

Seth Davis, wearing his SI hat, gets word from Louisville Coach Rick Pitino that he will remain Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino.

Louisville coach Rick Pitino, meanwhile, told Sports Illustrated on Wednesday that "I'm not a candidate for the Arizona job and I never was."

"I am not interested in any job. I am definitely returning to the University of Louisville," he told SI.com's Seth Davis.

Last week, Pitino also told reporters there was "no truth" he was interested in leaving Louisville.
Also Wednesday, former UA assistant coach Mike Dunlap accepted a two-year deal to be associate head coach at Oregon, and the Ducks will retain head coach Ernie Kent, the Register-Guard in Eugene reported.

Some thought Gonzaga's Mark Few, also rumored to be a UA candidate, would be interested in the Oregon job if the school had not kept Kent.

Here's Ducks coverage from KMTR-TV...