After 13 seasons, Al Skinner is out as head coach of the Boston College Eagles.
Skinner led Boston College to more wins than any other coach in team history.
Athletic Director, Gene DeFilippo said Skinner's departure from the program was a mutual decision, but the facts make it seem that Boston College fired Skinner.
Skinner will be paid for the remaining three years that are on his contract. This should allow Skinner to explore his choices for coaching elsewhere, possibly in front of fans who support their program more, unlike in Massachusetts.
DeFilippo described the move as "my decision" and his reasoning had to do with the recent direction of the program.
"Change is good sometimes. How many basketball coaches have been in the same position for 13 years? Very, very few," said DeFilippo, who arrived in Chestnut Hill after Skinner did in 1997.
The decision was said to be made last Wednesday, but was announced to the public today based on Skinner's consent.
Skinner was already interviewed for the St. John's head coaching vacancy, but the Red Storm named Steve Lavin, former UCLA head coach and current ESPN analyst to the same position today.
Skinner will be paid what he has earned based on what is said in his contract, unless he accepts another job.
Skinner was unable for comment, but DeFilippo described his respect for the ex head coach.
"Al Skinner will be treated very, very, very well, as he should be," said DeFilippo.
Assistant coach, Pat Duquette will stand in as the interim head coach until a new name is introduced. However, the coaching staff was said to be allowed to go to the Final Four in Indianapolis to help them find other jobs. Duquette will be responsible for the current team's preparation for next year.
DeFilippo was known to have said that he wanted a better style of play, a more exciting style than the banging, slow temp Al Skinner ran. Boston College has already began talking to three potential candidates, the names have not been released.
In 13 seasons, Al Skinner lead the Eagles to seven NCAA tournament berths and accumulated at record of 247-165. Boston College finished below .500 in back-to-back seasons, with a 15-16 record for the 2009-2010 season and a 6-10 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Skinner always known for his great ability to recruit top-notch players should be able to land another job. Skinner recruited players such as, Troy Bell, Craig Smith, and Jared Dudley, all which made their marks in the NBA.
The former Massachusetts star, Skinner came to Boston College after a successful career at Rhode Island where he compiled a record of 385-291.
Skinner is 57.