Central Michigan fires Tony Barbee, the former Auburn coach

Former Auburn coach Tony Barbee has been fired by Central Michigan, the program announced on Thursday. He had just completed his fourth season with the program.

The high-water mark for Barbee came a year ago, in 2023-24, when he led the Chippewas to an 18-14 overall record. He had a 12-6 mark in conference play, finishing fourth in the league standings.

But that was the only winning season for Tony Barbee there. This year, Central Michigan finished 14-17 overall and 7-11 in conference play, prompting a change.

“At this time, I have determined that we need to go in a different direction with the leadership of our men’s basketball program,” athletics director Amy Folan said in a press release. “I want to thank Tony for his dedication and service during his last four years in Mount Pleasant. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.

“I am confident that we will attract a high-caliber candidate pool during our head coaching search. This is a tremendous opportunity, and we know that our community will rally behind our next Chippewa men’s basketball coach.”

Tony Barbee went 7-23 in his first season and 10-21 in his second before finally posting a winning season in his third. But the progress wasn’t enough for Central Michigan.

Thus, the first head coaching opportunity he has had since Auburn comes to a close. Barbee spent 2010-14 at Auburn, where he failed to post a winning season.

Tony Barbee finished his Auburn career just 49-75 overall, with an 18-50 record in conference play. Following his time with the Tigers, Barbee was an assistant at Kentucky from 2014-21.

Buzz Williams takes the Maryland job

Following Kevin Willard‘s departure for Villanova, Maryland has found its new coach. Texas A&M head man Buzz Williams is on the move again.

The 52-year-old head coach is coming off an incredible run of success at Texas A&M. This season, the Aggies reached the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year.

Texas A&M has now made the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons after last appearing in the Big Dance in 2018. It took Williams a little bit to get things going, but once he did the Aggies were a formidable team.

Now, taking on the Maryland job, Williams will simply be tasked with keeping the program elevated. The Terrapins are coming off a Sweet 16 run under Willard.