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Cal Can't Bear Losing, Fires Braun

Coach had 219 wins in 12 seasons, but missed too many tournaments

By Mitch Pritchard,  Newser User

Posted Mar 27, 2008 3:49 AM CDT

(Newser) – Ben Braun built a 219-154 record at Cal Berkeley the past 12 years, but it wasn't enough to save his job yesterday, report the San Francisco Chronicle. The Bears, who lost to Ohio State in the NIT Monday, were only 30-42 in the Pac-10 the past four years. "The bottom line is we just didn't win enough games," said athletic director Sandy Barbour after firing Braun.

Cal finished the year 17-16 overall after going 9-2 in non-conference play. The Golden Bears missed the NCAA tournament four of the past five years, which had eroded alumni support for Braun. Former Stanford and Golden State Warriors coach Mike Montgomery and former UCLA coach Steve Lavin have been mentioned as possible replacements.

California head coach Ben Braun complains to official Kevin Brill during the second half of a college basketball game against Washington State in January. Braun was fired yesterday.
California head coach Ben Braun complains to official Kevin Brill during the second half of a college basketball game against Washington State in January. Braun was fired yesterday.   (AP Photo/Dean Hare)
California's head coach Ben Braun talks with his players. Braun was fired yesterday.
California's head coach Ben Braun talks with his players. Braun was fired yesterday.   (AP Photo/Dino Vournas, file)
California coach Ben Braun, left, shouts direction to players DeVon Hardin (35) and Patrick Christopher, right.  California fired basketball coach Braun yesterday.
California coach Ben Braun, left, shouts direction to players DeVon Hardin (35) and Patrick Christopher, right. California fired basketball coach Braun yesterday.   (AP Photo/Ben Margot,file)
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