The Washington Huskies officially parted ways with men’s basketball coach Mike Hopkins after seven years on Friday afternoon. After wining back-to-back Pac-12 Coach of the Year awards in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, Hopkins struggled to get back to any sort of success.
While there were some high points, including a victory over No. 2 Kansas, Dominic Green’s buzzer-beating three-pointer to upset No. 9 Arizona, and a victory in the NCAA Tournament over Utah State, Hopkins’ tenure at Washington was hampered by its low points.
He finished his career with a 58-71 record in Pac-12 play, including a last place finish in the 2019-20 season, following that up with an 11th place finish for the 2020-21 campaign. Since 2019 the Huskies have won just one game in the conference tournament and have not seen the postseason.
When the news broke on Friday, fans took to social media to voice their opinions about the long time coach who was coming off an upset victory over the No. 18 Washington State Cougars and had one year remaining on his contract.
Among the first to react to the news was Washington basketball alumni and former Philadelphia 76ers center Spencer Hawes.
— Spence Needle (@spencerhawes00) March 8, 2024
Fans also had plenty to say.
I survived the Mike Hopkins era pic.twitter.com/OJAFacO0Ai
— Luke (@mariners_luke) March 8, 2024
https://t.co/QvZaVNESpT pic.twitter.com/DVEPXGFFVc
— alexSSN (@alexSSN) March 8, 2024
It's over Husky fans! 🙌 https://t.co/TG6mvzUuzg
— 206 Athletics (@206Hoops) March 8, 2024
Coming off the upset victory over the Cougars, fans who had been expecting this news were already poking fun at their in-state rivals.
They choked the conference away with a loss to Michael Hopkins? You can’t make this stuff up man 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/hohAXLtWCk
— Michael Penix saved my life (@sonoffisch) March 8, 2024
Interest around the Washington basketball program has been lacking in recent years and athletic director Troy Dannen seems to understand that.
For far too long, the only topic being discussed regarding Husky Basketball was Mike Hopkins job status.
As Troy Dannen said to us last week: “We have to get people caring again.”
— Dave “Softy” Mahler (@Softykjr) March 8, 2024
Names of potential replacements have been floated, with Utah State’s Danny Sprinkle being the most popular candidate.
Danny Sprinkle is the name to watch in Seattle. https://t.co/l6PS28DUyl
— Trilly Donovan (@trillydonovan) March 8, 2024