On Wednesday the University of Evansville officially announced that Lawrenceville native Marty Simmons has been fired as mens head basketball coach. Athletic director Mark Spencer issued a statement indicating that after evaluation of the mens basketball program it was determined that a change in leadership was necessary at this time. He added that under Simmons Evansville had not achieved the level of competitive excellence expected on a national stage. Simmons was 184-175 overall and 82-116 in the Missouri Valley Conference during his 11 years at the school. The Purple Aces were 17-15 this past season. Spencer indicated that a national search for a coach to succeed Simmons is underway.