Under Groce, the Fighting Illini went 95-75 and made its lone NCAA tournament appearance in 2013, his first season after replacing Bruce Weber.
“I want to thank John Groce and his staff for their tireless efforts over these past five years,” Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement. “In many ways, John is a model leader. He exudes optimism and tackles every day with unbelievable energy. He has the highest integrity. He has been an active presence in our community and a strong public ambassador for Illinois Basketball. Most importantly, he loves his players unconditionally and helps them develop into young men prepared for the next stages of their lives.”
This year’s squad mirrored Groce’s tenure. The Illini started 10-3 with wins against VCU and Brigham Young, but then struggled in the first half of the Big Ten season.
Four consecutive wins late in the season put them in NCAA tournament contention before a loss to Rutgers on the final weekend of the regular season and a 20-point loss to Michigan in the Big Ten tournament left them at 18-14 to end their hopes.
Assistant coach Jamall Walker has been named interim coach while the school conducts a national search for Groce’s replacement.
