Fisher Remains Bitter Over Firing

Former Michigan coach Steve Fisher says he is still dealing with anger and bitterness after being fired last fall after the school’s investigation into alleged NCAA violations.

“I’m not the first guy to be fired, nor will I be the last. Probably no one who’s ever been fired will admit that it was justified. So I’ll stand on the pulpit and say mine wasn’t justified,” Fisher told the Detroit News.

Fisher, 52, had three years left on his contract when he was fired and said he is still negotiating a settlement with the university.

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New Mexico State, playing this season under interim coach Lou Henson, Tuesday began the search for a permanent successor to ousted Neil McCarthy.

McCarthy, the school’s winningest coach with a record of 248-123, was removed two days before the start of practice in October by Athletic Director Jim Paul. Paul said McCarthy had emphasized winning over academics and reassigned McCarthy to a position as an assistant athletic director.

The school launched its search for a permanent coach a day after state District Judge Robert Robles rejected McCarthy’s request for a preliminary injunction and reinstatement.