Auburn fires coach Tony Barbee following SEC tournament loss to South Carolina

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs has fired basketball coach Tony Barbee.

Jacobs announced the decision Wednesday night, shortly after the team left the Georgia Dome following Auburn's 74-56 loss to South Carolina in the Southeastern Conference tournament.

Barbee insisted after the game the Tigers improved by finishing 14-16 overall and 6-12 in the Southeastern Conference. He said after the game he expected to meet with Jacobs when the team returned to Auburn.

Jacobs didn't wait that long. He said in a statement a change "is best for the program."

Jacobs says he believes Auburn should compete for basketball championships and said "It's time for somebody else to have a turn."

Barbee posted losing records in each of his four seasons.