Lion Athletics has begun a national search for new head coaches for the men’s and women’s basketball teams since women’s coach Lori Davis Jones resigned from her position and men’s coach Jim Yarbrough’s contract was terminated early this year.
Davis Jones resigned two weeks ago after completing 12 seasons with the team. The Lady Lions ended the 2013-14 season with an 8-22 overall record and a 7-11 record in Southland Conference play, falling short of qualifying for the postseason tournament for the second year in a row.
According to an Athletics press release, Davis Jones earned an on-court career record of 145-200. She led the Lady Lions to six Southland Conference Tournament appearances, and 17 of her players earned All-Southland Conference honors.
“We are very appreciative of the contributions Lori has made to our university and wish her well in the future,” said Director of Athletics Jay Artigues in a press release. “We will immediately begin a national search for a new head coach, and we’re anxious to continue to grow our women’s basketball program.”
The Lions finished the 2013-14 season at 12-18 overall record and 7-11 record in conference play. Southeastern fell in the first round of this season’s conference tournament to in-state rival, Nicholls State.
According to Athletics, Yarbrough had one year left on his contract, but it was terminated at the end of the season. During his nine seasons as head coach, Yarbrough accumulated a 133-135 record. He led the Lions to eight Southland Conference tournament appearances and 13 players earned All-Southland Conference honors under his direction.
“We are very appreciative of the contributions Jim has made to our university and wish him well in the future,” said Artigues. “After taking a hard look at how the program has developed, I felt it was time to move in a new direction.”
The national search to fill both positions has begun. While Athletics is in search, Eric Dumas, who worked under Davis Jones during her time as coach, will serve as interim head coach for the Lady Lions. Similarly, Michael Cyprien, who played for Yarbrough and has coached under him for the past two seasons, will serve as interim head coach for the Lions.
“The Athletic department plans to keep the positions posted for two weeks,” said Artigues. “A committee has been put together for each position and has already begun meeting.”
Both positions are still open and all applicants will be looked at thoroughly by the search committee.
Yarbrough and Jones did not respond to comment requests in time for print.