3/16/2021

Fairfax, Va. – Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Brad Edwards announced today that George Mason has parted ways with Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dave Paulsen.
 
In six seasons with the Patriots, Paulsen had an overall record of 95-91 (.510) and 47-57 (.452) in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
 
“After an extensive review and evaluation of our men’s basketball program, I have decided to make a change in our leadership,” Edwards said.  “I am grateful for Dave’s commitment, tireless work and leadership in directing our program over the past six years.  He did an admirable job in stabilizing our program. Every decision he has made centers around the well-being of our student-athletes and what is best for them both academically and athletically.  Dave has represented our university and athletic department in a first-class manner and is very well-regarded among his peers in the basketball community.  I wish Dave and Kathy the very best and thank them for their contributions to our university.”
 
Paulsen’s best single season win total was in 2016-17, when the Patriots posted 20 wins en route to an appearance in the CBI Tournament.
 
George Mason had a 13-9 overall record and 8-6 mark in conference play during the 2020-21 season.  The Patriots finished sixth in the A-10 Conference this past season. Paulsen’s best conference finishes in the A-10 were a pair of fifth place finishes in 2017-18 and 2018-19. The Patriots won a school-record 11 conference games in 2018-19.
 
An immediate national search will be conducted for the next head men’s basketball coach.

COURTESY GEORGE MASON ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS