Eastern Kentucky fires head coach Dan McHale

After three consecutive losing seasons, Eastern Kentucky has decided to fire head coach Dan McHale, the school announced on Monday.

McHale was hired prior to the 2015-16 season and has accumulated a 38-55 record in that time. He failed to qualify for the Ohio Valley Conference tournament in any of his three seasons.

“After reviewing our men’s basketball program, I determined a change in leadership is needed at this time,” Director of Athletics Stephen Lochmueller said in a statement. “We want to thank Dan McHale for his service to Eastern Kentucky University, our community and the men’s basketball program. We wish Dan, Jackie and their family all the best in the future.”

Assistant coach Reece Gaines will serve as acting head coach until a replacement is hired, according to the university. Eastern Kentucky says it will conduct a “national search” for the next coach.

This year’s team went 11-20 and won only five OVC games. The Colonels finished two games behind Eastern Illinois for the final spot in the conference tournament field.

McHale took the job after Jeff Neubauer’s successful tenure landed him the head coaching role at Fordham. Neubauer led the Colonels to 20-plus wins in each of his final three seasons, including an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014.