MEN'S BASKETBALL: Collins begins search for new head coach for troubled program
Will O'Hargan
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In April 2006, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tom Collins was excited and smiling broadly when he entered the Worthen Arena media room to introduce Ronny Thompson as head coach of Ball State University men's basketball team. On Friday, he was visibly anxious and somber as he returned to that room to discuss Thompson's resignation and announce, for the second time in two years, a search for a new men's basketball coach.
"We're in the early stages of it right now," he said. "We really don't have a timeline. The phone started ringing [Thursday]. Resumes are coming in [on Friday]. I want to move efficiently, and I want to have a deep and diverse pool of candidates."
Thompson resigned as head coach of the Ball State men's basketball team Thursday, following two weeks of rumors and speculation that he was preparing to leave the university. Anonymous notes containing racial slurs were also left in the men's basketball office on June 24, which jumpstarted the speculation.
A hand delivered letter of resignation arrived at President Jo Ann Gora's office and Collins said he received a copy by e-mail Thursday. The days before Thompson resigned, Collins repeatedly stated his full support for Thompson and denied that there would be a coaching change.
Thompson cited concerns about a recent investigation by the university into NCAA violations committed by the coaching staff as the reason he left the program, Collins said. The university has hired a legal firm; Ice Miller, LLP; to conduct an independent external investigation into the Ball State's internal investigation.
"[Thompson] indicated some things in his letter, but again his resignation letter would be part of his personnel file and not available to [the media]," Collins said.
Ball State enters the coaching search with a team that had a 9-22 record last season, which is the most single-season losses in program history. Six players transferred since Thompson was hired, and the program is under increased scrutiny by the NCAA for committing the same violations twice in a year. Despite those negative factors, Collins said he feels that the Ball State job is an attractive position.
"We're in the early stages of it right now," he said. "We really don't have a timeline. The phone started ringing [Thursday]. Resumes are coming in [on Friday]. I want to move efficiently, and I want to have a deep and diverse pool of candidates."
Thompson resigned as head coach of the Ball State men's basketball team Thursday, following two weeks of rumors and speculation that he was preparing to leave the university. Anonymous notes containing racial slurs were also left in the men's basketball office on June 24, which jumpstarted the speculation.
A hand delivered letter of resignation arrived at President Jo Ann Gora's office and Collins said he received a copy by e-mail Thursday. The days before Thompson resigned, Collins repeatedly stated his full support for Thompson and denied that there would be a coaching change.
Thompson cited concerns about a recent investigation by the university into NCAA violations committed by the coaching staff as the reason he left the program, Collins said. The university has hired a legal firm; Ice Miller, LLP; to conduct an independent external investigation into the Ball State's internal investigation.
"[Thompson] indicated some things in his letter, but again his resignation letter would be part of his personnel file and not available to [the media]," Collins said.
Ball State enters the coaching search with a team that had a 9-22 record last season, which is the most single-season losses in program history. Six players transferred since Thompson was hired, and the program is under increased scrutiny by the NCAA for committing the same violations twice in a year. Despite those negative factors, Collins said he feels that the Ball State job is an attractive position.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Michael
posted 7/17/07 @ 3:40 PM EST
We need Coach Al Rhodes, the winningest high school basketball coach ever. Used to Coach Warsaw Tigers, now with Northrop I believe.
patbattle
posted 7/17/07 @ 6:52 PM EST
There is so much different in coaching at the HS level and the college level, I don't see the U taking a chance of that magnitude coming off of taking a huge chance (that blew up in their face) on Thompson. (Continued…)
Luke
posted 7/18/07 @ 1:47 PM EST
Al Rhodes for Ball State Coach. Let's reinstall some fundamentals and hard nosed defense into the Ball State program.
Chris
posted 7/31/07 @ 8:35 PM EST
If Ball State wants to win, then hire Larry Mangino.
Cory
posted 8/06/07 @ 12:45 PM EST
It looks like Ron Hunter from IUPUI is going to get the job.
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