"We took a look at the five-year history of the program under his leadership and felt we needed to make a change," Compher said. "It wasn't just wins and losses. It was a combination of things."
Compher said some people have asked him why it took so long for him to make the decision to dismiss Hopkins. Others have asked how he could make the decision after such a short time on the job.
"I felt I did the best job I could," Compher said of his evaluation.
"I knew Mr. Compher was going to be evaluating the program," Hopkins said. "I had been led to believe by (Chancellor John) Bardo that everything was OK."
Hopkins said Bardo called him at home March 1, the night before the Southern Conference Basketball Tournament was to begin, and said that Hopkins would be the coach next season.
The Cats lost to Chattanooga 90-75 in the first round of the tournament. Compher was at that game.
"I might not have won as many games as they would have liked, but I told the truth," Hopkins said.
Despite the dismissal, Compher spoke highly of Hopkins.
"He came in and took the program to the NCAA Tournament for the first time and did a great job with that team," he said. "He's been a very solid recruiter, and the kids really like him. That says a lot.
"I wish him the best," Compher continued. "I know a lot of people are going to miss him. He'll land on his feet and do just fine."
Hopkins came to Western when Benny Dees was named head coach prior to the 1993-94 season and replaced Dees when he retired two years later. Prior to his stint at Western, Hopkins had served on the staffs at Indiana State, Wyoming, Radford and Middle Tennessee.
"I'm very proud of the program we had at Western, which includes the first and only NCAA Tournament bid," Hopkins said. "I'm even prouder we've had 10 players to have graduated or who will graduate this May."
He added, "I leave Western with a very sad heart. I love Jackson County, and I'm sorry I have to leave."
Compher said last Thursday he was "already getting calls" about the position. He declined to put a timetable on when a new coach may be named.
Hopkins is the second basketball coach to be dismissed at Western since the season ended. Jill Dunn, who headed the Lady Cats for two years, was fired by Larry Travis, Compher's predecessor.
"It's going well," Compher said of the process to find Dunn's replacement. "I'm really pleased with the level of interest in the position. We're a lot closer with that search than we are with the men's search."
Compher said he is happy with the coaches on board at Western and doesn't anticipate any more changes.
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