Vanderbilt reportedly fires Jerry Stackhouse after five seasons

It’s a bad day to be a tailor in Nashville. The best-dressed man in the SEC is looking for a new job. Vanderbilt is reportedly parting ways with Jerry Stackhouse.

The move should not be considered too surprising. The Commodores did not make the NCAA Tournament during Stackhouse’s five seasons in Nashville and were just 9-23 in 2023-24. However, many indicated that athletic director Candice Story Lee was willing to give Stackhouse more time. There’s a reason why.

Vanderbilt is a private institution, which means contract terms are not disclosed. According to Matt Norlander, Stackhouse has a buyout north of $15 million. FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS. For reference, the once prestigious Louisville basketball program is only paying Kenny Payne $8 million following his termination. So what you want about Stackhouse, but that guy has a great agent.

Stackhouse was brought to Vanderbilt in 2019 to replace Bryce Drew. An 18-year NBA veteran, he was successful in the NBA ranks as an assistant coach. Some of those skills translated to the college level.

He was a savvy play-caller who got his teams playing well at the end of the season. Last year they tallied two March wins over Kentucky en route to a 22-15 finish. Few criticized his ability to execute in games. Roster construction was clearly a weakness. They struggled to recruit from the high school ranks and transfer portal. There were plenty of defections from the program, most notably Jordan Wright, who left for LSU just a few weeks after ripping out hearts at Rupp Arena on Senior Night.

Stackhouse’s head-coaching tenure ends with a 70-92 record and only two winning seasons. Former Louisville coach Chris Mack and Indiana State head coach Josh Schertz are considered top options to be the next head coach at Vanderbilt.

This may very well be the only SEC head coach to lose his job this offseason. Lamont Paris, Todd Golden, and Chris Beard reached inked contract extensions prior to the start of the SEC Tournament.

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