A bombshell was dropped from Columbia, Missouri earlier today when Missouri Tigers athletics director Jim Sterk announced that head softball coach Ehren Earleywine has been relieved of his duties, effective immediately.
“I met with Coach Earleywine this morning and informed him of our decision to make a change in leadership within the softball program effective immediately,” Sterk said in a statement released by the school. “We do not take action of this magnitude without careful thought and consideration, however, we have lost confidence in Coach Earleywine’s leadership to foster the type of healthy environment we expect for our student-athletes, and as a result, believe it is in the program’s best interest to make a change at this time.”
Earleywine helmed the Tigers for eleven seasons after being hired in 2007 and posted a career record of 482-182 during his tenure. Under his leadership, the Tigers appeared in three Women’s College World Series’ and reached the NCAA tournament in every season.
“While we are appreciative of the many successes Coach Earleywine’s teams have enjoyed on the field during his Mizzou tenure, we had serious concerns about the culture within the softball program and the experience our student-athletes were being provided as a result,” Sterk also noted in the school’s statement. “I recognize that the timing is less than ideal, but I did not believe I could hold off in making a decision to ensure that our student-athletes experience a constructive environment that is consistent with the department’s expectations and values.”
Earleywine’s contract ran through June 30 of this year, the final term of an extension signed in 2011.
An interim head coach for the Tigers is expected to be named next week. The Tigers open the season on February 8th in Tempe, Arizona and are set to host the SEC tournament in May.
