St. Joseph's University fires men's basketball coach Phil Martelli

PHILADELPHIA (FOX 29) - St. Joseph's University and men's basketball coach Phil Martelli are parting ways, the university announced on their website Tuesday.

Martelli has served as the team's head coach since 1995.

"Coach Phil Martelli stands among out among his peers in college basketball not only for his long tenure and the many accolades that he and his teams have achieved, but also for his engagement with the community and his service as an ambassador for SJU," read a statement on the university's website.

"The University recognizes and celebrates the history and heart that Coach Martelli brought to the program and thanks him for his long service, dedication and stewardship," the statement continued.

The university says they will immediately begin a search for a new head coach in hopes of filling the position in the coming weeks.

Martelli was named national coach of the year after the 2004 season where he led the Hawks to the Elite Eight after an undefeated regular season.

The Hawks have finished with losing records in each of the last three seasons.