Report: Chris Mullin will step down as St. John’s hoops coach

When former St. John’s star Chris Mullin was named head coach of the men’s basketball team four years ago, the university envisioned its most popular player of all-time rescuing a floundering program.

Unfortunately, it hasn’t happened. And now, apparently, it never will.

According to multiple reports, including CBS Sports, Mullin will step down as coach later this week.

In four seasons with the Red Storm, Mullin had a disappointing 59-73 record while qualifying for the NCAA Tournament just once. But the Storm’s lone appearance, which came this season in a First Four game, ended with a 74-65 loss to Arizona St.

Mullin, however, did record his best season during the 2018-19 campaign when he finished with a 21-13 record.

Ironically, CBS’s Jon Rothstein is reporting that on top of St. John’s wish list to replace Mullin is Arizona St. and former Wagner College assistant coach Bobby Hurley.

The off-season didn’t start well for Mullin when star guard Shamorie Ponds announced he’d be entering the NBA Draft. In addition, assistant coach Matt Abdelmassih, the Red Storm’s recruiting specialist, left to join Nebraska’s coaching staff.