Providence Fires Basketball Coach Kim English After Loss to St. John's

The Friars parted ways with English following a quarterfinal defeat in the Big East Tournament.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:08pm

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Providence College announced on Friday that it was parting ways with men's basketball head coach Kim English after three seasons at the helm. The decision came after the Friars lost to the St. John's Red Storm 85-72 in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday.

Why it matters

English's dismissal comes after a disappointing 15-18 season for Providence, which failed to make the NCAA Tournament during his three-year tenure. The school is now tasked with finding a new coach who can turn the program around and get the Friars back to the Big Dance.

The details

In his three seasons as Providence's head coach, English compiled a 46-49 record, including a 23-36 mark in Big East play. The Friars' only postseason appearance under English was in the 2023-24 NIT. After Thursday's loss to St. John's, English said he didn't want anyone's "pity" regarding his job status.

  • On Thursday, March 13, 2026, Providence lost to St. John's 85-72 in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals.
  • On Friday, March 14, 2026, Providence announced it was parting ways with head coach Kim English.

The players

Kim English

The former head coach of the Providence Friars men's basketball team, who was fired after three seasons with a 46-49 record.

Rick Pitino

The head coach of the St. John's Red Storm, who praised English and indicated he couldn't comment on the Providence job if English wasn't officially out.

Steve Napolillo

The Providence College Athletic Director, who announced the school was parting ways with English.

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What they’re saying

“We appreciate Kim and his staff for their efforts over the past three seasons leading our men's basketball team. We wish him and his family all the best in the future.”

— Steve Napolillo, Providence College Athletic Director

“I don't want anyone's sympathy. I don't like anyone's pity. Don't text me nothing sad, 'Hope you're OK, keep your head up'... Kick me while I'm down. I'll get up. I've never been more proud in that locker room than I was after this season.”

— Kim English

What’s next

Providence plans to begin an immediate search for its next men's basketball coach.

The takeaway

English's dismissal highlights the high expectations and pressure to win at the Division I level, even for a program like Providence that has struggled in recent years. The school will now look to find a new coach who can revive the Friars' fortunes and get them back to the NCAA Tournament.