George Washington fires Karl Hobbs

WASHINGTON – Karl Hobbs was fired Monday as men's basketball coach at George Washington after 10 seasons at the school.

A person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said that Hobbs was offered the chance to resign but refused to do so.

Hobbs' firing comes less than a week after Patrick Nero was introduced as George Washington's new athletic director. Jack Kvancz is stepping down from that position during the summer.

"Karl Hobbs brought GW men's basketball to new heights of success and achieved many firsts for GW men's basketball that will never be forgotten," Kvancz said in a statement.

Hobbs' contract was set to expire next year. His release is effective immediately.

"It has been an honor to serve as head coach of the George Washington University's men's basketball team," Hobbs said in a statement. "I am proud of what we achieved here and am grateful to have had the chance to work with and guide the development and accomplishments of so many outstanding student-athletes."

The school said a national search would begin immediately.

Hobbs was the A-10 coach of the year after leading George Washington to a 27-3 record in 2005-06, including 16-0 in the conference. In his 10 seasons, Hobbs posted a 166-129 record.

In the past four seasons, George Washington has struggled going 52-64 overall and just 25-39 in the conference under the 49-year-old Hobbs.