Iona announced that it is firing head coach Tobin Anderson after just two seasons. The news came as a shock on Monday after the team reached the MAAC title game and fell to Mount St. Mary’s 63-49.
Recently Fired Iona Head Coach Tobin Anderson Reflected on His Time With the Gaels
As Rick Pitino’s successor, the former FDU head coach who historically upset number one seed Purdue in the 2023 NCAA tournament was tasked with a a complete overhaul of the program’s roster.
In his first season with the Gaels, they finished 16-17. Looking for continuity in his second season, they got off to a rough 5-12 start. However, they would quickly find their feet, winning 12 of the final 16 games.
They ultimately fell one win short of making the NCAA tournament.
“We came a long ways — we got a whole lot better. They’re good kids, they worked hard. We improved about as much as any team in the country. I’m proud of that”.
Iona’s athletic director Matthew Glovaski stated:
“We appreciate Tobin and everything he has done for our program — He has been a valuable member of our Iona community. With the impact of NIL changing college basketball in ways no one could have imagined, Iona feels the need to shift the direction of our men’s basketball program. This requires an overhaul of our entire business model and program structure.”
With the shocking news, Anderson finally reflected on both his time in New Rochelle and the firing:
“It has been an honor to coach at Iona University — I am proud of what we built and were building — we were coming!”
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“I have been extremely fortunate in my career to work with and for some of the most incredible people, and I look forward to my next chapter. I was hired to coach and lead Iona men’s basketball program. I did that to the best of my abilities. I apologize for nothing.”
“I have an incredible fire and desire to lead my next team to greatness — onward and upwards, my friends.”
Iona has historically been among the top MAAC programs, now it expects to hand the keys to New Orleans Pelican’s assistant Dan Geriot. The move is expected to be announced today.
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