Source: Georgetown Has Funds for Ewing Buyout, But DeGioia Reluctant to Fire Ewing Midseason
According to a source familiar with the situation, Georgetown has secured the money required to fund any buyout of the remainder of Patrick Ewing’s contract. The buyout, the full amount of which is estimated to be around $11 million if Ewing is let go after this season, has been a major sticking point in any talk surrounding Ewing’s future as Georgetown head coach.
Despite the money for the buyout being secured, the same source indicates that Georgetown President Jack DeGioia has expressed that he is not comfortable firing Patrick Ewing in the middle of the season.
Considering DeGioia’s close relationship with Ewing, who he has known since Ewing was 18 years old, this should not come as a major surprise, but is notable still.
With DeGioia indicating a reluctance to part ways with Ewing during the season, this likely puts the ball in Ewing’s court now, at least for the remainder of the season. What comes after the season, if Ewing were to remain in his position through the end of the season, is a different story.
After losing by 29 points to Butler (9-6, 1-3 Big East) on Sunday night, Georgetown (5-10, 0-4) will host Villanova (7-7, 1-2) on Wednesday night. The Hoyas are currently ranked #201 on KenPom, and are in last place in the Big East.
For GU, this sort of leak is akin to a palace coup. But Jesus, $11M? Great job, Jack.
Why drag this out? Give the players a break. Let them have fun for at least half a season. And put together a search committee for your next coach before the "coaching carousel" begins at the end of the season. Really, this isn't that hard. Don't double down on the mistake you made with that horrible contract extension. Move on, now.