Phil Martelli out as St. Joe's basketball coach

St. Joe's University has let go of Phil Martelli as their head basketball coach, the university announced on Tuesday. 

"It was not an easy (decision), but I believe it is the right one," Director of Athletics, Jill Bodensteiner wrote in a statement. 

Martelli, 64, took over as head coach of the St. Joe's men's college basketball in 1995 and has coached the team over the past 24 seasons winning three A-10 tournament championships and being named A-10 coach of the year four times. 

Martelli is 7-7 in the NCAA Tournament, with his best run coming in 2003-04, leading Jameer Nelson and the Hawks to a perfect 27-0 regular season. The team eventually lost in the Elite Eight to Oklahoma State. 

Martelli's coaching tree is highlighted by names like Matt Brady, Monte Ross, Mike Rice Jr., Doug Overton, and Brett Sullivan.

Martelli has been a Friday morning staple on Angelo Cataldi and the 94WIP Morning Show during the NFL season. 

Phil Martelli is a Philadelphia treasure, a smart coach and a solid leader of young men. And, yeah, he's a friend. St. Joe's will be hard-pressed to find anyone half as good to replace him.

There was too much for me to write for a short tweet To my friend @PhilMartelliSJU pic.twitter.com/swBTgk7eVY