JOPLIN OUT

March 17, 2008 - In a press conference this morning, UT athletic director Mike O'Brien announced that men's basketball coach Stan Joplin has been released from his position. Joplin was not at the press conference by his own choice.

"I want to thank Stan for his twelve years of service to UT," O'Brien said. "He has always represented his program and our department in a first-class manner. During his time as head coach he and his teams provided many Rocket highlights. However, at this time, I feel that UT  basketball needs to head in a different direction. And new energy needs to be added to this program."

O'Brien said that although there were successes under Joplin, that there were goals that were unmet. He said that it wasn't an easy decisions due to the type of person that Stan is, but that he made his decision to replace Joplin before the recent MAC tournament.

A national search will begin immediately and a small committee will be formed to begin that process.

"I feel that this is a job that is going to generate a great deal of interest," O'Brien said. This is a program with a rich tradition at a great institution. We will have one of the best facilities in the MAC, if not the best, great fans and alumni and great support from the institution."

O'Brien said that the most recent recruiting class that had many players that didn't qualify academically, had an effect upon his decision. He also mentioned that UT has lost season ticket holders, some due to the state of the program.

Joplin's salary was $147,000 with a marketing commitment of $30,000. O'Brien said that he expected that amount to increase for a new coach, but he was hesitant to put a figure on a new coaches' salary before discussions with President Jacobs.

As far as a buyout for Joplin, UT will will pay the difference between any new job he gets and his scheduled salary through June of 2009.

O'Brien said that the decision had nothing to do with previous gambling allegations, and that it was completely a basketball decision.

The ideal candidate, according to O'Brien, would be a coach has a good "feel" for the University, has a commitment to student-athletes' academics, someone who can sell the basketball program to the community, increase attendance and be the right "fit" for the program.

It was announced that assistant coach Nate Tuori will run the day-to-day operations of the team until a new head coach is named.

O'Brien also stated that he has some names in mind of possible candidates for the position.