Will Cuonzo Martin coach Mizzou next season? He’s at peace with whatever decision is made
The future of Cuonzo Martin as head coach of the Missouri Tigers men’s basketball program is unknown following the end of a dismal season that saw the team finish with a 12-21 record.
Martin has compiled a 78-77 overall record through five years at the helm for Mizzou, only able to muster a 35-53 record in SEC games.
After a 76-68 loss to fifth-seeded LSU in the second round of the SEC Tournament on Thursday, Martin was asked about whether he thought that was his last game coaching for the program. The East St. Louis, Illinois native insisted that he is “at peace” with whatever decision will be made.
“I don’t get consumed with that, man,” Martin said. “I don’t worry about that. If that’s the best thing for both parties, then that’s the best thing for both parties. But I won’t waste any time with that. Whatever happens, happens. ... If that’s the best thing, then that’s the best thing.
“As long as you don’t take the main things from my life, I don’t worry about that. I don’t, because if it is, then the plan worked. Because when I was put in, it worked because I was here to make it work, and I say that with all humility. And then let the chips fall where they may. But I got a tremendous peace of mind. And I’m going back to the hotel to relax with my family and then go from there.”
Martin can’t technically be fired without cause until May 1 — though there are other ways to let him go regardless — and a $6 million buyout will be owed, according to his contract.
Now the decision lies in the hands of athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois and the Missouri administration.
