Siena fires head coach Buonaguro

Siena College men’s basketball coach Mitch Buonaguro is shown in a file photo.

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Mitch Buonaguro, head coach of Siena’s men’s basketball team, has been fired.

According to the Siena Saints website, a national search for his successor is under way.

“Mitch has represented Siena College in a very positive way,” Siena College President Fr. Kevin Mullen said in a statement posted on the site. “I consider him a close, personal friend and know how much passion he put into his job. It’s a difficult decision, but it was made with the best interest of our program and student athletes in mind.”

Buonaguro served as lead assistant to Fran McCaffery from 2005 through 2010, the most successful stretch in Siena basketball history.

During Buonaguro’s three years as head coach, the Saints went 35-59. The team finished seventh in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference his first season, tied for sixth last year and ninth this season.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity Siena gave me,” Buonaguro said in the statement published on the team’s website. “It’s a very special place, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my eight years here. The student athletes we have brought through the program are people the Siena community can be very proud of. We had some great success here, and although the last three years did not produce the results any of us hoped for on the court, I leave knowing I gave my all every day. This is a program I care deeply about, and I wish Siena nothing but the best in the future.”