March 13, 2012

Eric Hyman Press Conference Quotes

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina Athletics Director Eric Hyman announced today that men’s basketball coach Darrin Horn has been released from his duties after four seasons as head coach. Carolina finished the 2011-12 season with a 10-21 record and finished last in the Southeastern Conference with a 2-14 mark.

“This was a very difficult decision,” said Hyman. “Darrin has done a good job in areas in which we place great value. Under his leadership our academics have improved immensely, he has run a program of integrity and his student-athletes have represented the university and department appropriately. However, we could not overlook other factors that led to this decision. In the world of college athletics, wins and losses and being competitive in the SEC had to be considered. Recruiting, player development and diminishing fan support also was considered when making a decision like this.”

“Our goal for our men’s basketball program is the same as all of our athletics programs at South Carolina – to be a nationally-prominent program that battles for championships,” continued Hyman. “With that in mind, we will begin a national search immediately to find the very best coach possible for the University of South Carolina.”

Coach Horn was hired in 2008 and led his first South Carolina squad to a 21-10 record, a share of the SEC Eastern Division title and a trip to the NIT. However, his three subsequent teams posted records of 15-16, 14-16 and 10-21, giving him a four-year total of 60-63, a .488 winning percentage. He logged a conference mark of 23-41, a .359 winning percentage. He was winless in five postseason contests, four in the SEC Tournament and one in the NIT. The highlight of his tenure was the school’s first win over a No. 1 opponent when Carolina upset top-ranked Kentucky on Jan. 26, 2010.

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank Eric Hyman, Dr. Pastides and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity I’ve had as the head men’s basketball coach at South Carolina for the past four years,” said Horn. “I appreciate the Gamecock Nation for its support of the program. My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Columbia and wish nothing but the best for the Gamecocks.”

Horn had three years remaining on his contract.