Jirsa's team finished last year with a record of 12-19. The season ended with a loss to Memphis in the Conference USA tournament last week. In four years, Jirsa's record as head coach was 43-74, the lowest winning percentage for a mens basketball coach for the Herd in recent history.

Marcum says a search committee is being formed to find the next head coach of the Herd.

Marshall sports information director Randy Burnside says Jirsa had two years left on his contract, which included a base salary of 140-thousand-dollars.

The highlights of Jirsa's career include two wins against West Virginia University in Charleston.

Jirsa came to the Herd after serving as an assistant coach at Dayton. He was head coach at the University of Georgia from 1997 to 1999 where his teams posted a record of 35-30. The Bulldogs made two appearances in the NIT. Jirsa also served as an associate head coach under Tubby Smith, prior to Smith's departure for the University of Kentucky.
-----
HERE IS THE PRESS RELEASE FROM MARSHALL UNIVERSITY.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2007

MARSHALL TO BEGIN SEARCH FOR NEW MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH

HUNTINGTON - Marshall University Director of Athletics Bob Marcum announced today that Ron Jirsa will not be retained as head men's basketball coach.

"We appreciate the contributions that Ron has made and we wish him the best," Marcum said.

Jirsa has served as head coach at Marshall for the past four seasons.

A screening committee for the head coaching position is being formed and will be announced at a later date.