By Jerry Briggs
Special for The JB Replay
UTSA men’s basketball coach Austin Claunch has been suspended effective today following his arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI), according to a news release from the university.
Austin Claunch ran practice on Wednesday prior to the announcement that he had been suspended by the university. – Photo by Joe Alexander
School officials are reviewing the circumstances and will determine appropriate next steps, including the length of his suspension, the release said.
Assistant Coach Nick Bowman will serve as acting head coach during his absence. UTSA opens its season on Monday at San Jose State, the first of eight games for the Roadrunners in November.
The 36-year-old Claunch is coming off a disastrous 4-25 season and is 16-44 in two years as UTSA’s coach. Momentum for the program had ticked up since last spring with the addition of 14 new players in a 15-man roster.
UTSA’s showing in preseason had been promising as the team had shown the ability to score in a fast-pace attack. The Roadrunners forged a 2-1 record in three preseason scrimmages, including an 85-73 win at Incarnate Word last weekend.
“UTSA Athletics holds its coaches, staff, and student-athletes to high standards of conduct and accountability,” the university’s release said. “We take this matter seriously and will address it in accordance with university policies and procedures.”
The statement included a comment attributed to Claunch, who apologized for “a grave error” in judgment.
“I deeply regret my actions and the disappointment I have caused,” he said. “I sincerely apologize to the young men I have the privilege of coaching, my fellow coaches and colleagues, President (Taylor) Eighmy, Dr. Lisa Campos and the entire Roadrunner community.
“I recognize the responsibility that comes with being a head coach and the example I am expected to set, both on and off the court. I fell short of those expectations, and for that, I am truly sorry.
“I take full responsibility for my decisions and am committed to learning from this experience and earning back the trust and confidence of those who have placed their faith in me.”
According to information published in the wake of Claunch’s hire in the spring of 2024, has three years remaining on a five-year contract. The deal runs through March 31, 2029.
In August of 2024, the UT System Board of Regents published details of the contract, which included possible annual compensation “in excess” of $1 million.
His base salary was listed at $400,000 annually, supplemented by $150,000 for media and fundraising appearances and a bonus package worth up to $500,000, according to the document.