(Courtesy of News and Communications )

Steve Orsini, who hired the football team’s head coach, June Jones, and Hall of Fame basketball coach Larry Brown has been fired by SMU effective immediately SMU President R. Gerald Turner announced Thursday afternoon.

Orsini revitalized SMU athletics with these two hires and helped orchestrate the move to the Big East.

“After several discussions over the last few weeks, it became apparent to me that it was necessary to make this change,” Turner said in a statement.

Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs Tim Leonard has been named interim director of athletics. Leonard, like Orsini, worked with Orsini at UCF in a similar role and now takes over for him after his firing.

“While we both are committed to the support of our student-athletes and coaches, a unified effort is required for future progress in our athletics programs,” he said.

Immediate feedback in the media regarding this move has many stumped and curious. One SMU alumni said, “it is a roller coaster of emotions.”

SMU will conduct a national search beginning now. Head football coach June Jones and head basketball coach Larry Brown will remain in place.

“We thank Steve for his contributions to SMU athletics,” Turner said.

On April 30, The Daily Campus reported that athletics deficits have been on the rise. After Orsini’s arrival, the athletic department’s average loss increased by 44 percent.

We will have more on this search as it develops.

Additional reporting done by Brooke Williamson.

New AD brings big goals, experience to Hilltop (Photo By Austin Kilgore, The Daily Campus)

Athletic Director Steve Orsini, Head Coach June Jones and President R. Gerald Turner sign two-year contract extension. (Photo courtesy of SMU News)