Vandals fire basketball coach Verlin

MOSCOW — University of Idaho men’s basketball head coach Don Verlin has been terminated for cause, interim athletic director Pete Isakson announced Friday.

The decision was reached after consultation with university administration, including current university president Chuck Staben and incoming president C. Scott Green.

Assistant coach Zac Claus has been named interim head coach of the Vandal men’s basketball program and will serve in that role through the 2019-20 season, the school said. Assistant coaches Kirk Earlywine and Tim Murphy will remain in their current roles. A search will begin for a permanent men’s basketball coach next spring.

Last fall, the Vandals extended Verlin’s contract through June 30, 2021. But since he was fired “for cause,” he will not be paid for the remainder of his contract, Idaho athletics spokesman Mike Walsh said.

“The termination of his contract ends the university’s obligation to compensate him. The termination is effective (Friday),” Walsh said.

Verlin’s base salary is roughly $250,000.

Verlin was placed on paid administrative leave by the school May 23, following a consultant’s report into the men’s basketball program.

Following the report, Idaho self-reported three potential violations of NCAA bylaws to the NCAA, Walsh said.

All three violations appeared to be minor. One violation involves a “non-coach” acting in a coaching manner — reportedly holding a whistle in practice and holding play cards during a game. The coach denied he was providing “basketball instruction,” during practices. The coach was not permitted to coach the team in on-court activities.

Another violation involved two prospective athletes in pickup games. One was considered to not have the proper medical documentation to participate. The other was considered an improper player evaulation.

Men’s basketball student-athletes reported last Saturday for summer school and offseason workouts.

“As with all personnel matters, we weigh many factors before we make a decision,” Isakson said. “These are not easy conversations or decisions, but we have a direct responsibility to do what is best for the university. Our fundamental goal in U of I athletics is that each sports program be a source of pride for the Vandal community — pride in our competition performance, in how we educate our student-athletes and in how we run our department. Foundational to meeting that goal is an absolute commitment to compliance and excellence.”

Verlin led the Vandals to a 177-176 overall record in 11 seasons at the helm. Idaho went 5-27 this season with an injury riddled, freshman-laden squad.