Tennessee Tech fires John Pelphrey after 7 seasons

Field Level Media|published: Tue 3rd March, 14:13 2026

Tennessee Tech basketball coach John Pelphrey during the NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee on Monday, November 6, 2023 in Knoxville, Tenn.

Tennessee Tech fired men's basketball coach John Pelphrey on Tuesday after seven seasons and a 79-138 record.

The Golden Eagles ended a 13-18 season with Saturday's 89-73 loss at Southeast Missouri State. With an 8-12 league record, they did not qualify for the Ohio Valley Conference tournament.

"We thank John for his service and commitment to our men's basketball program," athletic director Casey Fox said. "We felt it was the right time for a leadership change and a refocus for the men's basketball program. We wish John and his family the best moving forward."

Pelphrey never had a winning season at the school in Cookeville, Tenn., falling just short with a 16-17 record in 2022-23.

Pelphrey, 57, previously compiled an 80-67 record in five seasons as the head coach at South Alabama (2002-07) and a 69-59 mark in four seasons at Arkansas (2007-11). He was the Sun Belt Coach of the Year in 2005-06 and took his teams to the NCAA Tournament in 2005-06 and 2007-08.

Tennessee Tech said a comprehensive national search for its next head coach will begin immediately.

The Golden Eagles have not been to the NCAA Tournament since the 1962-63 season.

Pelphrey was an All-Southeastern Conference forward at Kentucky, averaging 11.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals in 114 games (90 starts) from 1988-92.

--Field Level Media