Dana Ford out as MSU men’s basketball coach

After six seasons leading the Missouri State University men’s basketball team, Dana Ford will exit as head coach at the end of the season.

The announcement was made Sunday, two days after the Bears were eliminated from the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament with a quarterfinal-round loss to Indiana State, according to a news release from the MSU Athletics department.

"Dana has been an amazing role model for our players and a great ambassador for our university and our program," Kyle Moats, MSU director of athletics, said in the release. "Likewise, he has given so much of his time in support of youth programs, charities and other community endeavors. That's why this decision was not easy.

"I want to thank coach Ford and his staff for their hard work and professionalism during their tenure at Missouri State."

Missouri State finished the year with a 17-16 overall record and an 8-12 ledger in MVC play.

Ford was hired in March 2018 and came to MSU from Tennessee State University, where he was head coach for four years.

Ford’s overall record during his time with the Bears was 106-82, with a 64-48 record in MVC games. His best season was a 23-11 finish in 2021-22 in which the Bears tied for second in the MVC and earned a berth in the National Invitation Tournament, according to the release.

Moats said in the release that a national search to find the program's next coach began immediately.

Ford had one year left in his contract with the university. According to the terms of his employment, Ford’s buyout will amount to $182,496.