Green Bay fires Will Ryan after 15-61 record

Green Bay dismissed coach Will Ryan on Tuesday after the son of former Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan went 15-61 in 2 1/2 seasons at the school.

The Phoenix are 2-19 this season and have lost their past 11 games. Green Bay’s last victory was over Kansas City on Dec. 10.

“I want to sincerely thank Will Ryan and his family for their contributions to the men’s basketball program these past three seasons,” Green Bay athletic director Josh Moon said. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Assistant Freddie Owens will serve as interim coach for the remainder of the season.

“UW-Green Bay is committed to continuing its legacy as an outstanding Division I athletics program in the future,” Moon said, “and Phoenix men’s basketball needs to help lead the way as we work to elevate all of our programs and be a shining light for this region and beyond.”

Will Ryan, 44, went 14-13 as coach of Division II Wheeling during the 2019-20 season before becoming coach of Green Bay. He went 8-17 his first season and 5-25 last season.

He spent five seasons (2002-07) on the Wisconsin staff in various roles under his father.

Bo Ryan went 364-130 in 15 seasons as Wisconsin’s coach, leading the Badgers to the Final Four in both 2014 and 2015. Wisconsin reached the 2015 title game before falling to Duke.

Green Bay visits Northern Kentucky on Thursday.

–Field Level Media