Isiah Thomas fired by FIU, Florida International University searches for new head basketball coach

Florida International University has fired head basketball coach Isiah Thomas.

The school made the announcement on its website. Bitly link: http://bit.ly/HQmlXd

"We want to thank Isiah Thomas for his three years here at FIU," FIU Executive Director of Sports and Entertainment Pete Garcia said in a statement. "However, we have decided to take the program in a different direction."

The university said a national search for the Panthers' next head basketball coach will begin immediately.

Thomas took over at FIU in a surprising move in 2009, one that gave the former New York Knicks coach and president a chance to restore the reputation he tarnished through a series of embarrassments in New York.

The Hall of Fame player went 26-65 in three seasons.

Under Thomas, FIU never won more than 11 games in a season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.