by: Josh Marks
Long Beach State men’s basketball head coach Larry Reynolds will not be seen
pacing the sidelines at The Walter Pyramid next year.
Reynolds will not have his contract renewed after the team ended their most
successful season since 1995. The move comes despite his leading the 49ers to
the regular season title with 24-8 record (12-2 conference mark) and winning
the Big West tournament to secure an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament
after a 12 year drought. The team was eliminated in the first round by
“We appreciate the hard work and leadership that Larry provided,” LBS Athletics
Director Vic Cegles said in a statement. “However, I believe it is in the best
interest of the university and the men’s basketball program to make a change.”
Reynolds was in the last year of his five-year contract. His overall record
entering the season was 39-75 but he had turned the team around the past two
seasons with a combined mark of 42-20.
However, off the court the program has been dogged by controversy. According to
the Los Angeles Times, Reynolds is exiting the program while the NCAA is
investigating possible recruiting violations. The inquiry has led to three-game
suspensions for players Kejuan Johnson and Mark Dawson and an indefinite
suspension for assistant coach Reggie Howard.
“We had a banner season, but upon an extensive review I came to the conclusion
that a foundation had not been built to ensure long term success,” said Cegles.
A national search for a successor is underway.
“I would like to thank