The first head coaching change of the 2014-15 season happened today. Hawaii relieved head coach Gib Arnold of his coaching position today. Assistant Coach Brandon Akana was also relieved of duties. Assistant coach Benjy Taylor (former head coach of Chicago State) will take over as interim head coach.
No official reason was given, but the University of Hawaii Chancellor did say that Arnold would remain employed by the university through January 31, 2015, and would then receive a lump payment for the remainder of his contract, which runs through June 31, 2015.
The University of Hawaii has been under investigation by the NCAA for self-reported infractions earlier this year, but there was no official word from them whether the changes today were related to that.
The Athletic Director released this statement-
"These painful but critical steps are being taken in an effort to strengthen our athletics program and to do right by our student athletes and students in general. We appreciate the work of Gib and Brandyn and wish them both the best in the future."
Chancellor Bley-Vroman said, "We are committed to setting the best possible examples for our players not only on the field of sports but in life. Athletics Director Jay has my full support in these steps that will strengthen the long-term future of our athletics program and our university."
ESPN has sources that went further and did confirm these changes were the fallout from the NCAA investigations, which likely means that reports of more serious infractions are forthcoming.
No official reason was given, but the University of Hawaii Chancellor did say that Arnold would remain employed by the university through January 31, 2015, and would then receive a lump payment for the remainder of his contract, which runs through June 31, 2015.
The University of Hawaii has been under investigation by the NCAA for self-reported infractions earlier this year, but there was no official word from them whether the changes today were related to that.
The Athletic Director released this statement-
"These painful but critical steps are being taken in an effort to strengthen our athletics program and to do right by our student athletes and students in general. We appreciate the work of Gib and Brandyn and wish them both the best in the future."
Chancellor Bley-Vroman said, "We are committed to setting the best possible examples for our players not only on the field of sports but in life. Athletics Director Jay has my full support in these steps that will strengthen the long-term future of our athletics program and our university."
ESPN has sources that went further and did confirm these changes were the fallout from the NCAA investigations, which likely means that reports of more serious infractions are forthcoming.
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