Arkansas State fires Mike Balado after 6 seasons

Arkansas State University has decided to part ways with Head Coach Mike Balado after six seasons.

In a statement released by the university, Chancellor Kelly Damphousse declared the termination of Balado’s contract with the school, citing the program’s lack of competitive success as the primary factor in the decision.

“We have the utmost respect for Mike and his contributions to the Red Wolves basketball program during his tenure,” Damphousse said. “However, competitive success has not been achieved at the level that we expect, and we believe it is time to move in a new direction.”

Under Balado’s leadership, Arkansas State posted a record of 76-111 over six seasons, including a 6-24 mark in the 2021 campaign. While the team made a postseason appearance in the 2017-18 season, they have failed to make the NCAA tournament since the 2013-14 season.

Balado was hired in 2015 after serving two seasons as an assistant at Texas Tech. He previously had stints at Florida, Louisville and South Alabama, where he was an assistant coach and director of operations.

The university has begun the search for Balado’s replacement and is looking for a head coach with the ability to build a successful program.

“We are committed to finding a coach who can take the program to the next level of excellence,” Damphousse said. “We have high expectations for our men’s basketball program, and we are confident that we will find the leader who can bring that success to Jonesboro.”

Arkansas State University has terminated the contract of Head Coach Mike Balado after six seasons, citing a lack of competitive achievement. Chancellor Kelly Damphousse released a statement expressing the school’s respect for Balado’s contributions to the Red Wolves basketball program, yet asserting that a shift in direction was necessary due to the team’s unsatisfactory results. A search for a new head coach is underway, with the university seeking an individual who can construct a successful program.