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Two College Basketball Coaches Fired On Day 1 Of NCAA Tournament

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 3:17 PM ET

The madness isn't just on the hardwood during the opening day of the NCAA Tournament.

All around the country, the coaching carousel is spinning. Coaches are getting fired and hired, and others are being speculated for new jobs or as being on the hot seat. On Thursday, two mid-major head coaches were let go.

Denver fired Jeff Wulbrun after four seasons, while on the other side of the country, Fordham canned Keith Urgo after only three years. Wulbrun, who took a leave of absence last month, went 54-76 with the Pioneers.

Former North Carolina and NBA guard Shammond Williams will continue serving as the program's interim head coach as a coaching search is conducted.

"On behalf of the University of Denver, and the athletic department, I want to thank for his effort and commitment to elevating the program in his four seasons in the Mile High City," Denver vice chancellor of athletics Josh Berlo said. "We appreciate Jeff's dedication to recruiting high-character student-athletes that fit the prestigious academic model and 4D experience that is the foundation of the University of Denver."

BRONX, NY - DECEMBER 21: Head coach Keith Urgo of the Fordham Rams signals to his players during a college basketball game against the Albany Great Danes at Rose Hill Gymnasium on December 21, 2024 in Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Urgo, meanwhile, went 25-8 in his first season at Fordham in 2022-23. However, he followed that up by going 13-20 in 2023-24 and 12-21 this season.

Overall, the Fairfield alum went 50-49 with the Rams, including 21-33 in Atlantic 10 play.

"Thank you, Keith Urgo, for a ride in 2023 we will never forget and for representing the Fordham brand with tremendous passion. I think we all would’ve gone to war with you. This season didn’t go how we all hoped in terms of wins and losses, but we’ll be rooting for you," a Fordham hoops fan account said.

Denver last appeared in a major postseason tournament in the 2013 NIT, while Fordham made the CBI in 2016 but has not been to the NCAA Tournament since 1992 and the NIT since 1991.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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