Missouri State University (MSU) has fired its women's basketball head coach, Nyla Milleson, Monday. The reason; Missouri's dismal performance this season, when it finished 14-17 with a 6-12 record in Missouri Valley Conference (MVC).
Milleson's contract has been cancelled by the university. She will be paid $140,000 for the remaining two years of her contract.
She was the head coach of the Lady Bears women's basketball team for six seasons and had an overall record of 105-87 including three 20-Women's National Invitation Tournament titles and the 2012 MVC championship.
"We evaluate all of our coaches at the conclusion of each season and monitor several criteria during the year," Director of Athletics Kyle Moats said. "The decision is based on a number of factors both on and off the court, and not based solely on wins and losses.
Moats said that the university appreciates Milleson's dedication and hard work during her tenure as head coach of the team.
MSU also fired its assistant coaches, associate head coach and recruiting coordinators Trish Marsh, Bethany Creed, and Christopher Lewis.
Casey Hunt, the senior associate athletic director, will supervise the program until a new head coach is named. The university will start a national hunt for the new head coach immediately.
Milleson thanked the university for giving her the opportunity to train the team and wished success to the staff and its student-athletes.
University President Clif Smart said at a press conference that fans expect the Lady Bears to compete and win in conference championships and post season games every year.
He also said that in order to win every game, the management sometimes has to make necessary changes in the staff department for the best long term interest of their women's basketball program.