New York native Tim O’Toole resigned as coach at Fairfield last night after eight years. O’Toole informed his players after the Stags (9-19) fell to Niagara, 84-77, in the MAAC Tournament in Albany.

A former assistant at Iona and Fordham, O’Toole was 112-120 at Fairfield, the same school he led to the NCAA tourney as a player in 1986 and 1987.

“I will begin the search immediately for a new coach,” Athletic Director Gene Doris said.

A name to consider is Brooklyn’s Pete Gillen, 58, who was fired by Virginia last year. Gillen, who has 392 career wins, is a Fairfield alum.