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Report: Blaine Taylor has been fired at Old Dominion

Blaine Taylor

Old Dominion head basketball coach Blaine Taylor cheers on his team during second half of a Colonial Athletic Association semi-final basketball game against Drexel at the Coliseum in Richmond, Va., Sunday, March 4, 2012. Drexel won the game 68-51. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

AP

According to multiple reports, Old Dominion head coach Blaine Taylor has been dismissed as the Monarch’s head coach.

There will be a press conference at 3:00 p.m. to make the firing official.

Taylor is in his 12th year at Old Dominion, making the postseason the past eight seasons. He won 20 games in seven of those eight seasons. His average record the past four seasons: 25-10. He’s made four NCAA tournaments and had a 237-124 record at the school prior to this season’s meltdown. ODU is 2-20 this year, which is simply a disastrous performance in their final year in the CAA, but that makes me believe there is more to the story here.

ODU has been one of the best mid-major programs in the country during Taylor’s tenure, and their talent level didn’t drop precipitously this season. It was supposed to be a rebuilding year, but that 2-20 record proves that there is a lot more that is wrong with this team than a simple “rebuilding”. And I’d wager dollars to donuts that’s what got Taylor canned.

David Teel agrees, as does Jeff Goodman.

UPDATE: This quote from ODU’s press release isn’t exactly praising Taylor: “This decision is not based solely on wins and losses, but on a number of factors by which a head coach is evaluated. At this point, in regard to our head men’s basketball coach, our student athletes need mentorship, leadership and guidance. Our fans and alumni need encouragement. Our administration needs confidence in our leadership.”

Taylor battled alcoholism back in 1995, even going to rehab for it. But it looks like the disease may have reared its ugly head again.

You can find Rob on twitter @RobDauster.