College Coaches Fired for Cause: Who Made a Comeback?

In the high-stakes world of college athletics, coaches face strict standards of conduct both on and off the field. When they cross the line, universities sometimes fire them *for cause*, a harsh move that wipes out contractual protections and often sparks legal fights.

This article looks at some of the most notable *for cause* terminations in college sports. We’ll dig into why these decisions happened and what unfolded for the coaches involved.

Understanding “For Cause” Terminations

*For cause* terminations stand as the most severe kind of dismissal in college athletics. They can happen for all sorts of reasons—public behavior that embarrasses the school, alleged criminal acts, NCAA violations, or other actions that administrators just can’t accept.

The fallout from these firings can be huge. Coaches might end up in arbitration, fighting grievances, or dealing with settlements and show-cause penalties.

Recent High-Profile Cases

Jerome Tang’s recent case at Kansas State grabbed headlines. He was fired after publicly criticizing his players.

Athletic director Gene Taylor pointed to contract language about conduct that could embarrass the university. The decision came just four days after Tang’s comments and could turn into a messy contractual dispute.

In December, Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore and Ohio football coach Brian Smith were also fired. These situations always raise the same, frustrating question: what’s next for a coach after such a public firing?

The Complex Aftermath of “For Cause” Firings

The aftermath of a *for cause* firing can get complicated. Some coaches claw their way back into the profession. Others never really recover.

Let’s look at how the careers of a few high-profile coaches unfolded after they were fired *for cause*.

Rick Pitino: A Tale of Redemption

Rick Pitino’s career took a nosedive in 2017 when the Louisville Athletic Association board fired him *for cause*. The program was caught up in a federal bribery investigation involving recruits and their families.

Pitino wasn’t charged, and he denied knowing about the scheme. He sued Louisville for $38.7 million, but the settlement left him with nothing.

Still, Pitino didn’t stay down for long. He coached overseas, then returned to college basketball at Iona, and now leads St. John’s.

Will Wade: A Controversial Return

LSU fired Will Wade in March 2022 after the NCAA accused him of several Level I violations, like arranging payments to recruits. Even with a two-year show-cause order, McNeese hired him, and he led them to the NCAA Tournament.

Now, Wade’s in his first season at NC State. He’s still frustrated by the investigation, saying it *ruined a lot of people’s lives for very little reason*.

Chris Beard: From Scandal to Success

Chris Beard’s run at Texas ended fast in January 2023 after he got arrested on a felony domestic violence charge. The charges were dropped, but Texas fired him *for cause*.

Beard didn’t wait long for another shot. He landed at Ole Miss, where he’s put together a 55-38 record.

Long-Term Impacts and Legal Battles

Coaches fired *for cause* often end up in drawn-out legal battles, hoping to clear their names or get paid. These cases can get bogged down in complicated contract language and big money.

Mike Price: A Cautionary Tale

Mike Price’s short stint at Alabama crashed in 2003 after reports surfaced that he spent a night at a strip club. The university said he broke their standards and fired him *for cause*.

Price sued for $20 million, but the court dismissed his case. He later coached at UTEP and has mostly stayed retired since 2017.