Oregon State Fires Jay John

Winless start to Pac-10 play leads to John's firing

Jan. 21, 2008

CORVALLIS, Oregon (Ticker) - An extended winless start to league play brought Jay John's tenure with Oregon State to an end.

John, who was in his sixth season with the Beavers, was fired on Sunday, a day after Oregon State fell to 0-6 in the Pac-10 Conference.

Overall, Oregon State (6-12) has lost eight straight games following an 83-74 setback at Washington on Saturday.

"I want to thank coach John for his contributions to Oregon State University and his tireless effort in trying to turn around the men's basketball program," athletic director Bob De Carolis said. "However, our progress on the court has not been what we all had hoped for so we are moving in a different direction." Associate coach Kevin Mouton will take over for John as the interim coach.

Hired in 2002, John led the Beavers to their only winning season in the last 18 years in 2004-05 at 17-15. They also went to the NIT that season - the school's only postseason appearance since 1989-90.

However, the 49-year-old John was unable to build off that success, as Oregon State has placed eighth and ninth, respectively, in the Pac-10 over the last two seasons.

The Beavers begin their latest campaign at 6-4 before hitting their ongoing slide, starting with a 67-61 loss at Louisiana State on December 22.

Overall, John went 72-97 in five-plus seasons, including 28-68 in the Pac-10.

Oregon State will return to action against Southern California on Thursday.