Jeremy Ballard Out as FIU Men’s Basketball Coach After Eight Seasons

MIAMI – Florida International University (FIU) Director of Athletics Scott Carr announced Wednesday that Jeremy Ballard has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Panthers men’s basketball team. Ballard served as FIU’s head coach for eight seasons, concluding his tenure as the program’s all-time winningest coach with 113 victories .

Ballard’s Tenure and Recent Performance

Ballard initially took the helm of the Panthers in 2018. While he achieved success early in his tenure with a 20-14 record in his debut season (2018-19) and a 19-13 record the following year, the program experienced six consecutive losing seasons thereafter . The Panthers recently concluded the 2025-26 season with a 15-17 overall record (8-12 in Conference USA), falling to Missouri State 75-72 in the first round of the conference tournament .

Statement from Scott Carr

“I want to thank Jeremy for pouring his heart and soul into the program the past eight years, and for the genuine and respectful manner in which he operated every day,” said Carr. “Jeremy is one of the best human beings and leaders I have ever encountered, and his authenticity carried over into the student-athletes he coached and the culture he established.”

Carr further stated, “Jeremy has left the program in a better position than what he inherited, and I want to thank him for that improvement. But, the on-court success has not been to the level we aspire to; we want to be competing for conference championships and NCAA Tournament berths. With that standard in place, a comprehensive national search will begin immediately, and there will be no further comment until that is completed.”

Interim Coach and Search Process

Associate head coach Jesse Bopp has been appointed as the Panthers’ interim head coach while the university conducts a national search for a permanent replacement. FIU has partnered with DHR Global, a leading executive search firm, to assist in the process. Inquiries regarding the opening should be directed to Tony Hernandez at fiu.mbb@dhrglobal.com .

FIU Panthers Background

The FIU Panthers compete in NCAA Division I athletics, primarily as members of Conference USA. The men’s soccer and swimming & diving teams compete in the American Athletic Conference . The university’s colors are navy blue and gold, and their mascot is Roary the Panther .