Ole Miss basketball: Andy Kennedy loses race with destiny

What went wrong

After the 2017 season, Kennedy worked his usual off-season magic to restock his roster with competitive players. The 2018 Ole Miss basketball team simply did not respond, and that failure ended Kennedy’s race with destiny.

The Ole Miss basketball team carried a five-game losing streak into Tuesday night’s game against Arkansas in Oxford and lost again. It was game number 400 for Kennedy as Ole Miss head coach. The Rebels haven’t won a game since downing Alabama 78-66 on January 23, giving the Rebels an 11-15 overall record,  4-9 in SEC play.

“This is beneath the standard that is Ole Miss,” Kennedy said of his team’s play after the game. “This is beneath the work that we have put into this program.”

“I’m accountable”

“This season has not gone as well as we would have hoped,” said Kennedy when announcing his resignation. “and I’m accountable for that.”

Kennedy summed up the seasons shortcomings simply. “Unaware people are unsuccessful people.”

“I didn’t foresee some of the things that have transpired. Again, I’m accountable for that. It’s my responsibility. I haven’t been able to reach this team like I would have hoped.”

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And with that, Andy Kennedy will ride graciously into the Mississippi Hills sunset. His replacement follows the most successful Ole Miss basketball coach in eight decades.