Completed Event: Men's Basketball at Utah on February 24, 2026 , Win , 75, to, 59
Final
Men's Basketball
75
Utah
59
Iowa State University Athletics
Morgan Relieved of Coaching Duties
03.17.2006 | Men's Basketball
AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University Head Men's Basketball Coach Wayne Morgan has been relieved of his duties after three years with the Cyclones. Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard made the announcement Friday morning.
"We have decided to make a change in the leadership of our men's basketball program. That change is effective immediately," said Pollard, who along with Iowa State University President Gregory Geoffroy met with Morgan Thursday evening. "During the past six months, I have had the opportunity to fully assess the overall direction of the men's basketball program, and I do not believe our current coaching staff can sustain the level of performance required for our athletic program to achieve its goals."
Pollard said that the Cyclones have one of the best fan bases in the Big 12, a strong reputation in the sport and the department has made significant investments in the program. For those reasons, he says that men's basketball needs to be a marquee sport at Iowa State.
Morgan compiled a 55-39 overall mark at Iowa State, including a 22-26 ledger in Big 12 play. His 2004 team made the NIT semifinals and the 2005 edition reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Iowa State failed to reach post-season play this year despite being ranked No. 25 nationally in the pre-season poll.
"The fact that we didn't advance to the NCAA or NIT this season certainly contributed to our decision to make a change, but it clearly was not the only reason for our decision," Pollard said. "The expectation that we have for our sports programs at Iowa State University are far greater than a single won-loss record or lack of appearance in post-season play."
Pollard also emphasized that recent concerns regarding the scheduling practices of men's basketball games were not the reason for the change, but "the negative national publicity contributed to the timing of the decision."
Pollard said that no state tax dollars or public funds will be used to pay the remaining obligations to Coach Morgan and his staff as a result of this change. The funds for the payments will come from an operating reserve the department has accumulated in the last decade.
A national search for ISU's next men's basketball coach begins immediately.
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