By Bert Leeson
March 10, 2024
Missouri State University Director of Athletics Kyle Moats announced Sunday a change in the head coaching position for the men’s basketball program, relieving coach Dana Ford of his duties after the conclusion of the season.
Missouri State finished the year with a 17-16 overall record and an 8-12 ledger in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Bears were eliminated from the MVC Tournament on Friday with a quarterfinal-round loss to top-seeded Indiana State.
“Dana has been an amazing role model for our players and a great ambassador for our university and our program,” said Moats. “Likewise, he has given so much of his time in support of youth programs, charities and other community endeavors. That’s why this decision was not easy.
“I want to thank coach Ford and his staff for their hard work and professionalism during their tenure at Missouri State.”
Ford took over the Missouri State program on March 22, 2018 and held the team’s head coaching position for six seasons, compiling a 106-82 overall record and 64-48 record in MVC games. His best season was a 23-11 finish in 2021-22 in which the Bears tied for second in the MVC and earned a berth in the NIT.
Moats noted that a national search to find the program’s next coach will commence immediately, and he will reserve commenting on that process until the search culminates in the announcement of a new head coach.
COURTESY MISSOURI STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
