Missouri State University Fires Men’s Basketball Coach Dana Ford

Missouri State University Athletic Director Kyle Moats announced Sunday morning that men’s basketball coach Dana Ford has been relieved of his duties.

The Bears finished the year with a 17-16 overall record and an 8-12 record in the Missouri Valley Conference, coming in ninth out of 12 teams.

MSU was eliminated from the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament in St. Louis with a quarterfinal round loss to top seeded Indiana State on Friday.

“Dana has been an amazing role model for our players and a great ambassador for our university and our program,” Moats said in a news release. “Likewise, he has given so much of his time in support of youth programs, charities and other community endeavors. That’s why this decision was not easy.”

Moats thanked Ford and his staff for their “hard work and professionalism” during their tenure at Missouri State.

Ford took over the Bears program on March 22, 2018 after the firing of Paul Lusk. He compiled a record of 106-82 overall, 64-48 in Valley games.

Ford’s best season was 2021-22, when the Bears went 23-11, tying for second in the Valley and earning a berth in the NIT.

Moats says a national search is underway to find the Bears’ next head coach.