MADISON, Wisconsin. – Wisconsin has fired female basketball coach Jonathan Tsipis after a first-round loss in the Big Ten tournament.
Tsipis won 50-99 in five seasons, including a 16-74 mark in the Big Ten competition. The Badgers were ranked 5-19 overall and 2-18 in the Big Ten this season.
Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez announced the change of coach on Tuesday night. The Badgers had lost 67-42 against Illinois in the Big Ten tournament earlier that day.
“I appreciate coach Tsipis’ efforts during his five years with us, but we believe it’s time for a new direction for our women’s basketball program, ”Alvarez said in a statement. “I wish Jonathan the best as he progresses.”
Tsipis came to Wisconsin after going 92-38 in four seasons at George Washington and winning consecutive ties at the NCAA Tournament in 2015 and 2016, but was unable to translate that success into the Big Ten. Wisconsin never won more than four conference games in any of Tsipis’ five seasons.
Wisconsin has not produced a winning season since 2010-11 and has not reached the NCAA tournament since 2010.