Kennedy steps down at Ole Miss

Andy Kennedy has stepped down as the men’s basketball coach at Ole Miss and will be replaced by fourth-year assistant Tony Madlock for the remainder of the season, the university announced Sunday.

Kennedy, the winningest basketball coach in school history, had announced last week that he would depart at the conclusion of the season.

“We all know that ‘clean breaks’ are always best, and I should have realized this last Monday. My apologies,” Kennedy said in a statement announcing the decision.

Kennedy, a two-time Southeastern Conference coach of the year, was 245-156 record in 12 seasons. His finale was a 79-62 loss Saturday at Kentucky, the team’s seventh consecutive setback.

“Andy and I spoke this morning, and I fully support his decision to step away today,” Ross Bjork, the Ole Miss vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics, said in the school’s announcement. “While we had hoped to relieve some pressure with last week’s announcement, it simply did not work out that way.

“Our student-athletes are the most important aspect of our athletics program, and we must always put them in the best position for success, no matter what. Coach Kennedy will always be remembered as an Ole Miss Rebel, and we wish him the best.”

— Field Level Media