Baron Fired As URI Men’s Basketball Coach

KINGSTON – According to University of Rhode Island Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn, men’s basketball head coach Jim Baron has been let go by the university with two years remaining on his contract.

For a full press release from the university’s press site, GoRhody, click here.

Baron’s final game was Saturday night, as the Rams lost 89-83 at the University of Massachusetts. Although Baron finishes with an overall winning percentage of .526, none of his squads ever made the NCAA tournament in 11 years at URI, and his best finish was making it to the Final Four of the NIT.

According to the university, the remaining two years of Baron’s contract will be paid off via externally-generated revenues. Tuition and state money will not be effected. Depending on whether his final year is guaranteed or not, the buyout most likely ranges from $350,000 to $700,000, based on released by the university.

According to the university, there will be no further comment on the head coaching position until a new coach is appointed.

Baron is a resident of East Greenwich. His son, Billy, plays for the Rams, and his older son Jimmy was a graduate and four-year player at URI.