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

The Friars' quarterfinal defeat in the Big East Tournament sparked speculation about English's future as head coach.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:19pm

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The Providence Friars fell to the St. John's Red Storm 85-72 in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday. The loss immediately fueled rumors that Friars head coach Kim English would be fired, despite praise from Red Storm coach Rick Pitino for English's efforts over the past three seasons.

Why it matters

English's dismissal comes after three seasons as Providence's head coach, during which the team has struggled to regain its past success. The move signals the university's desire for a change in leadership to revitalize the men's basketball program.

The details

Providence's loss to St. John's in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals on March 13, 2026 prompted immediate speculation about the future of Friars head coach Kim English. Despite praise from Red Storm coach Rick Pitino for English's work over the past three seasons, the university has decided to part ways with the 39-year-old coach.

  • The Big East Tournament quarterfinal game between Providence and St. John's took place on March 13, 2026.
  • Kim English had been the head coach of the Providence men's basketball team for the past three seasons.

The players

Kim English

The 39-year-old former head coach of the Providence Friars men's basketball team.

Rick Pitino

The head coach of the St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team, who praised Kim English's efforts with the Friars.

Providence Friars

The men's basketball team of Providence College that was eliminated from the Big East Tournament by St. John's.

St. John's Red Storm

The men's basketball team of St. John's University that defeated the Providence Friars in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals.

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The takeaway

The dismissal of Kim English as Providence's head basketball coach signals the university's desire for a change in leadership to revitalize the men's basketball program after three seasons of struggle under his tenure.