Southern Methodist University
After a year at Florida Atlantic University, Doherty accepted an offer to become the 16th coach in Southern Methodist University history on April 23, 2006. The Dallas, Texas campus was the fourth stop in Doherty's head coaching career. In his first year at SMU, Doherty made an immediate and positive impact on the program. He assisted in raising the funds and planning for the all new state-of-the-art Crum Basketball Center, a practice facility for the men's and women's basketball teams. The center opened in February 2008. In addition, Doherty helped spearhead the Moody Coliseum renovations, including a new state-of-the-art jumbo-tron, replacing the court, moving the athletic offices to Gerald J. Ford Stadium, and general improvements to the facility.
On the court, Doherty began building the foundation for the future while leading SMU to a record of 14-17 in 2006-2007. While losing leading scorer Bryan Hopkins to eligibility, and accepting the job late enough to only land one additional scholarship player, SMU increased their win total from the previous year. Positives from the year included an 11-3 non conference record, a 59-52 loss at Florida State, a 53-48 victory over The University of Dayton, and a near upset of the #6 ranked Memphis Tigers in the final regular season game. Doherty's team regressed the following year, however, compiling a 10-20 record in 2007-2008.
Doherty was fired from SMU on March 13, 2012 after compiling a record of 80-109 in six seasons. He had one year remaining on his contract, for which he was purportedly slated to earn $500,000.
Read more about this topic: Matt Doherty (basketball)
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