Ben Howland out at Mississippi State

Mississippi State parted ways with head coach Ben Howland, the school announced Thursday.

"We are appreciative of the time and effort coach Howland devoted in leading our men's basketball program," said director of athletics John Cohen, "There's no question he left our program better than he found it."

Howland led the team since 2015, guiding the Bulldogs to a 134-98 overall record and one trip to the NCAA Tournament.

The 64-year-old's head coaching career includes stops at Northern Arizona, Pittsburgh, and UCLA.

Hopes were high for Mississippi State this season after bringing back star guard Iverson Molinar and adding North Carolina transfer Garrison Brooks. However, the Bulldogs went 18-16 on the campaign, losing to Virginia in the first round of the NIT.