UTA Fires Coach Scott Cross

He's the winningest coach in his alma mater's history and won 72 games in the last three seasons. That includes a regular season Sun Belt title, and an NIT quarterfinal appearance.

But those 72 wins weren't enough for UT Arlington athletic director Jim Baker, who fired head coach Scott Cross on Monday. From the UTA website:

"We thank Coach Cross and his staff for their service to the University and for developing a men’s basketball program that operates with honor and integrity," said Baker. "In order to align the program’s direction with the University’s objectives, I believe new leadership and energy surrounding the program is needed. We will begin a national search immediately."

The Dallas News Sportsday, in its story, said the move was made because Baker wanted the program to be "the next Gonzaga," despite the fact the Mavericks' programs wasn't funded anywhere near that of the 'Zags.

The article quoted Baker as saying an NCAA appearance in either of the last two seasons would have made a difference.

According to the article, Texas Tech assistant coach Chris Ogden could be to whom Baker turns next.