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Athletic Director Ross Parmley informed Wojcik during an afternoon meeting.
"This is a business decision based on some serious challenges we have in basketball," Parmley said at a news conference Sunday afternoon. "Since 2005, we have seen a 35 percent decrease in season-ticket sales, a 43 percent decrease in revenue and rapidly growing apathy among our fan base.
"Basketball is expected to be a revenue-producing sport and a marquee sport at The University of Tulsa. A change in leadership was necessary."
When reached on Sunday night, Wojcik preferred not to comment.
Wojcik, 47, compiled a career record of 140-92 in his seven seasons at Tulsa and became the school's all-time leader in coaching victories last month. He averaged 20 wins a season and had three years remaining on his contract.
But a deteriorating fan base - seemingly fueled by a lack of an NCAA Tournament appearance - weighed heavily against Wojcik.
Attendance fell 18 percent this season. The program averaged 4,423 fans, which is the lowest figure in 31 years. Tulsa averaged 3,766 fans in the 1979-80 season, the year before Nolan Richardson took over as coach.
Five other Conference USA schools (Memphis, UAB, UTEP, Houston and Southern Mississippi) have made the NCAA Tournament during Wojcik's time.
A source close to the athletic department said Wojcik's buyout figure is thought to be $900,000. It is believed the money is being provided by donors, not the university.
Parmley said the decision to make a change caught speed as the season wore down.
"We evaluate each and every program at the end of the year," Parmley said. "I think I was waiting for something good to happen and it didn't at the end of the year. As we wound down the year, it felt like a decision we had to make."
Parmley was asked about Wojcik's reaction after being told news of his dismissal.
"I don't think he agreed with the decision, but I think he handled it in a first-class, very professional way, which with Doug you knew you'd get," Parmley said.
Tulsa has hired search firm Eastmann and Beaudine to help find its next coach. Parmley said the school won't be restrained by a timeline.
"As soon as we find the right fit, the person we feel is the best person to lead our program to where I think many, many people want it to go, then we'll be there," said Parmley, who added he will not discuss any potential candidates.
Wojcik was named the school's 28th head basketball coach on March 14, 2005, after serving 15 seasons as an assistant coach at Navy (1990-99), Notre Dame (1999-2000), North Carolina (2000-05) and Michigan State (2003-05).
Wojcik inherited a program that was in a downward spiral with back-to-back nine-win seasons.
After capturing 11 victories in his first season, Wojcik followed with four consecutive 20-win seasons, including a pair of 25-win campaigns. TU was 17-14 this season.
His program hasn't had any off-court problems and maintained a high Academic Progress Rate (APR). When four seniors receive their degrees this May, he will have a perfect graduation rate (18-of-18) among players that stayed through their senior year.
Wojcik is Tulsa's career wins leader among coaches, with 140 victories. This season, he surpassed Clarence Iba's mark of 137.
During his time, Wojcik led TU to a College Basketball Invitational championship, two NIT appearances and two C-USA Tournament title game appearances.
The program may have peaked in the 2007-08 season. Enthusiasm was high in March following the program's first run to the league championship game. Two sellout crowds helped cheer the Hurricane to a CBI championship.
The Hurricane appeared in the NIT during the next two seasons, but hasn't appeared in postseason play since that 2009-10 season.
Original Print Headline: Wojcik let go from TU after seven seasons
Eric Bailey 918-581-8391
eric.bailey@tulsaworld.com
Source: http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/articlepath.aspx?articleid=20120312_11_A1_CUTLIN318140&rss_lnk=1
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