Interim coach James not hired on as head coach, USD to conduct national search

Interim head coach Joey James will not be hired on as head coach of the USD men’s basketball team next season as the university will undergo a national search, according to a press release by USD athletics.

“As we stated in October, the men’s basketball coaching position at the University of South Dakota is one that merits a national search,” said Athletics Director David Herbster in the press release. “We committed to conducting a search process then, and we are following through with that commitment now.

James was named interim head coach Sept. 6, 2013, after long-time head coach Dave Boots resigned after 25 years.

A former Coyote player, James worked as an assistant coach for 10 seasons prior to being hired on as interim head coach.

In James’ single season, he improved the Coyotes to 12-18, including a 6-8 Summit League record.

USD fell to Denver 71-55 in the first round of the Summit League Tournament Sunday in Sioux Falls.

According to the release, USD has contracted with Fogler Consulting to assist in the search. The firm has placed 15 coaches in Division I programs.

James’ future with the program was not made clear in the release.

A Twitter post was made by James early Tuesday morning, possibly voicing his frustration.

“Loyalty and commitment – what does that mean these days?” James said in the Twitter post.

Senior Trevor Gruis, who wrapped up his final season playing for USD Sunday, said James called all the players Monday to let them know he would not be continuing on as head coach.

“He thanked us for all of our hard work for him and said he was thankful for the opportunity he had,” Gruis said. “Unfortunately, they’re not hiring him back for next year.”

Gruis said James stayed positive in his call with the team and said he wished he could have told the team in person. Ultimately, Gruis said, he didn’t know how much the team’s rocky season played into the decision to not keep James.

“With the interim tag, coach had a microscope on him all year,” Gruis said. “The season didn’t quite end up like we thought it would. Sometimes that’s just how it ends up. I respect the administration’s decision, but I would’ve liked to see Coach James stay another year and get the ball rolling.”

The national search is already underway.