Providence Fires Men's Basketball Coach Kim English After Three Seasons

The Friars will owe a significant buyout of over $8 million for the remaining four years on English's contract.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:05pm

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The Providence Friars have fired men's basketball head coach Kim English after three seasons with the program. English signed a six-year contract extension in 2024 that was set to run through the 2029-30 season, but the school will now owe a buyout of over $8 million for the remaining four years on the deal. English compiled a 48-52 overall record during his tenure, including a 23-37 mark in Big East play, and the team struggled at home with a 14-16 record at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Why it matters

The dismissal of Kim English as Providence's head coach after just three seasons highlights the high-pressure nature of major college basketball programs, where long-term stability is often sacrificed for short-term results. The substantial buyout the school will have to pay underscores the financial risks involved in hiring and firing coaches, especially those given lengthy contract extensions.

The details

English signed a six-year contract extension in 2024 that was set to run through the 2029-30 season. Under the terms of the deal, he was earning $1.93 million during the 2023-24 season. With four years remaining on his contract, Providence is now expected to owe a buyout of over $8 million, with estimates placing the guaranteed portion north of $6 million.

  • Kim English was hired as Providence's head coach in 2020.
  • English signed a six-year contract extension in 2024 that was set to run through the 2029-30 season.
  • Providence announced English's dismissal on March 13, 2026, less than a day after the Friars' loss to St. John's in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals.

The players

Kim English

The former head coach of the Providence Friars men's basketball team, who was fired after three seasons with a 48-52 overall record and 23-37 mark in Big East play.

Steve Napolillo

The athletic director of Providence College, who announced the school will begin a national search for a new head coach immediately.

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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 Athletic Director

What’s next

Providence will begin a national search for a new head coach to lead the Friars' men's basketball program.

The takeaway

The dismissal of Kim English as Providence's head coach after just three seasons, despite a contract extension, underscores the high-stakes, high-pressure nature of major college basketball programs, where long-term stability is often sacrificed for short-term results. The substantial buyout the school will have to pay highlights the financial risks involved in hiring and firing coaches, especially those given lengthy contract extensions.