Central Michigan dismisses Tony Barbee after four seasons

Tony Barbee got another chance to be a head coach after the 2020-21 season after a failed stint at Auburn from 2011-14. The former Kentucky assistant is now looking for employment again following another four-year run leading a program.

Central Michigan dismissed the head coach on Thursday.

“At this time, I have determined that we need to go in a different direction with the leadership of our men’s basketball program,” Central Michigan Director of Athletics Amy Folan said in a 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 finishes his run in the MAC at Central Michigan with a 49-75 overall record and a 30-42 mark in conference play. The Chippewas recorded only one winning season in four years under the former Auburn head coach. Barbee, 53, is now a coaching free agent.

The Indianapolis native played for John Calipari at UMass and got his coaching start at his alma mater under Cal. Barbee ultimately rejoined Cal at Memphis and became a head coach at age 34. After leading UTEP to 82 wins and a NCAA Tournament appearance in 2010, Barbee landed the Auburn job but only won 49 games in four seasons. The coach then joined Cal’s Kentucky staff and spent seven seasons in Lexington. Barbee was a member of the 38-1 team in 2015.

Calipari brought just about everyone from his Kentucky staff with him to Arkansas. Tony Barbee is now free to join the staff in Fayetteville if an opening becomes available.