Missouri State is parting with head coach Paul Lusk after a seven-year tenure, a source confirmed to NBCSports.com
The Bears will be looking for a new head coach after a disappointing 18-15 season and 7-11 finish in the Missouri Valley Conference. Many picked Missouri State to win the Valley this season as they returned pro prospect Alize Johnson and a veteran team. Going 106-121 during his tenure, Lusk only made one postseason appearance at the school as Missouri State played in the CIT in 2014.
The Bears haven’t made the NCAA tournament since 1999 but they’ve made some solid hires in the past. Cuonzo Martin was the coach Missouri State had before Lusk as Tennessee hired Martin away in 2011. Steve Alford coached this program to a Sweet 16 less than 20 years ago.
Missouri State will hope to find a coach who can rejuvenate the program as the Valley is wide open right now with the departure of former power Wichita State.
