By Jeff Goodman
Chris Lowery was one of the hottest names in the country just a few years ago. Now Southern Illinois has decided to part ways with its head coach.
A news conference is scheduled for Friday at 3:30 p.m.
Sources have told CBSSports.com that Lowery was fired Friday after eight years that produced a 145-116 record. The Salukis went to three NCAA tournaments in Lowery's first three seasons but have struggled over the past four seasons and failed to reach the postseason each time. Southern Illinois was 8-23 this season. The Salukis lost Thursday night to Indiana State in the opening round of the Missouri Valley conference tournament.
Lowery, 39, had two years remaining on a seven-year contract worth more than $5 million.
A source told CBSSports.com that SIU will target Illinois' Bruce Weber if Illinois parts ways with its coach after this season. The Illini have lost seven of their past eight games, which has brought Weber's job security into question. Weber coached Southern Illinois from 1998-2003.
