‘Benedict Arnold!’: Providence College students sound off on Cooley departure

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — After 12 seasons with Providence College, Ed Cooley is leaving Friartown.

Students told ABC 6 News they feel betrayed by the Providence native and longtime basketball coach.

“It’s salt on the wound for sure,” said one senior, citing Friday’s loss to Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament. What happened to, ‘Us. We. Together. Family. Friars?'”

Another senior added, “I wasn’t even that big of a basketball fan until I came here and feel like he was the real reason why I got sucked into it.”

The school confirmed the rumors Monday that circulated over the weekend.

“I deeply appreciate Coach Cooley’s immense contributions to the men’s basketball program and to the PC community over the past 12 years,” said the Rev. Kenneth Sicard, the school’s president.

Sicard said Cooley resigned early Monday and that Providence College will immediately start a national search for its next men’s basketball head coach.

“Friar fans everywhere will be forever grateful for this period of sustained excellence in our program,” said Sicard.

Also Monday, Cooley’s East Greenwich home went put up for sale, leaving many wondering if he was officially leaving Providence.

According to Zillow, his home is on the market for $1.9 million.

The home listing came nearly two weeks after reports that he met with Georgetown. Earlier this month, Patrick Ewing was fired as the coach of the Hoyas after six seasons at the school.

Georgetown is Providence’s Big East rival.

Cooley, a Providence native, was named the Friars’ basketball coach in 2011.