Georgia Tech Parts Ways with Damon Stoudamire
In a significant move, Georgia Tech has parted ways with Damon Stoudamire from his position as head coach after three years, as reported on March 8. This decision comes swiftly on the heels of their disappointing regular-season finale, where the Yellow Jackets fell 79-76 to Clemson, marking the end of a frustrating season. With a mere 2-16 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Georgia Tech finished last in the standings and failed to earn a spot in the ACC Tournament.
End of a Challenging Season
The loss against Clemson officially capped off an arduous season for Georgia Tech, which ended with a concerning 12-game losing streak. Their most recent victory dates back to January 17, when they secured a narrow 78-74 win against North Carolina State. In fact, since the beginning of 2026, the team has managed to win just two out of 17 contests, after starting the season with a reasonable 9-5 record in 2025.
Damon Stoudamire’s Tenure
Damon Stoudamire, a former NBA player known for his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, concluded his tenure with a record of 42 wins and 55 losses at Georgia Tech. Under his leadership, the program did not secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, which has been a persistent challenge for the Yellow Jackets since their runner-up finish in the 2004 NCAA Tournament. Stoudamire had taken over the reins following Josh Pastner‘s seven-year campaign with the team.
Financial Obligations and Future Plans
As reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the university is obligated to pay Stoudamire $2.6 million over the next two years unless he accepts another coaching position. Thamel also noted that Georgia Tech is dedicated to investing in their basketball program to foster future competitiveness.
Stoudamire’s Coaching Background
Stoudamire, who transitioned to coaching after a notable playing career that included stints with the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, and San Antonio Spurs, was previously an assistant with the Boston Celtics before taking the head coaching job at Pacific from 2016 to 2021. His record at Pacific was 71-77 over five seasons, showcasing periods of success and struggle.
Looking Ahead
In summary, Georgia Tech’s basketball program continues to search for a path back to prominence, as they have not participated in the NCAA Tournament since the 2020-21 season. With limited success in recent years, fans and stakeholders will be looking closely at how the university proceeds in the wake of Stoudamire’s dismissal.
