Report: Charlotte fires head basketball coach Aaron Fearne

The Charlotte 49ers have parted ways with head coach Aaron Fearne after three seasons, according to a report from Matt Norlander of CBS Sports. Fearne exits Charlotte following a 17–17 campaign, bringing his overall record with the program to 47–50. 

The move comes as the 49ers continue searching for sustained success, with the program still chasing its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2005. Fearne’s tenure began with promise, making the firing especially disappointing. 

Initially hired as an assistant in 2018, he was elevated to interim head coach in June 2023 following Ron Sanchez’s departure to join the Virginia Cavaliers under Tony Bennett. He quickly made an impact in his first season at the helm. 

Fearne led Charlotte to a 19–12 record during the 2023–24 campaign, including a 13–5 mark in conference play, the program’s best league finish in nearly two decades. That season featured several milestones for the 49ers. 

Charlotte recorded its first-ever eight-game conference winning streak. Additionally, they secured a signature victory over a ranked opponent in Florida Atlantic, along with seeing Fearne named a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Coach of the Year award.

His early success earned him the full-time head coaching position in February 2024. However, the program was unable to maintain that upward trajectory over the following seasons.

Despite finishing .500 this year, Charlotte struggled to build consistency in a competitive conference landscape. Ultimately, the inability to break through to the NCAA Tournament likely played a significant role in the decision to move on.

Before arriving in Charlotte, Fearne built an extensive coaching résumé overseas. The Australian native spent nearly a decade as head coach of the Cairns Taipans in the National Basketball League, leading the club to multiple playoff appearances and earning Coach of the Year honors in 2015. He also played a key role in player development throughout his career, helping mentor future NBA talent and contributing to Charlotte’s recruiting success during his time as an assistant.

Now, Charlotte turns the page once again as it looks to reset the direction of its program. With resources in place and flashes of competitiveness in recent years, the 49ers will aim to find a leader who can finally return the program to the NCAA Tournament stage.