Well, you don't see this every day.
After Utah State lost in the first round of the Mountain West women's basketball tournament, Aggies AD Diana Sabau fired head coach Kayla Ard, and wasted absolutely zero time in doing so.
Sabau fired Ard before she entered her post-game press conference. This meant that, as an unaware press corps began asking Ard about where she saw the team going next year, Ard had to step in and an say that, for her, there would be no next year.
Media Member: "How do you plan to rebuild for next season?"
Ard: "I'm not going to be rebuilding. I just coached my last game at Utah State. I spoke with Diana, and they're going in a different direction. I respect her decision, and I hope they get a really good coach in."
(Awkward Pause)
Ard: "I'm assuming that's going to be the last question.
Moderator: (Awkward Chuckle)
Ard: "All right. Thank you."
Moderator: "Thank you, Coach."
This is crazy! After the Utah State women lost tonight, coach Kayla Ard was asked how they rebuild next season - and she says she just got fired. Never seen anything like this.
— B.J. Rains (@BJRains) March 11, 2024
"I'm assuming that's going to be the last question?"
(Video courtesy of The Mountain West) pic.twitter.com/j9yjcMAbjD
"We appreciate everything Kayla and her staff have contributed to Utah State," Sabau said in a statement. "However, it is in the best interest of the program to make a change."
Utah State went 24-90 under Ard, including 10-62 in MW play. The Aggies finished tied for last in the conference, and lost Sunday night's conference tourney opener 85-49 to Boise State.
So, change was warranted in Logan. I'm just not so sure it was warranted that urgently. On Utah State's website, the press release announcing Ard's firing posted four minutes before the game recap.
Either way, shoutout to Ard for handling a tough situation with class and dignity.