Boulder – Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn said today that he has not yet made a decision on the future of embattled men’s basketball coach Ricardo Patton but didn’t rule out extending his contract.
“There could be a contract extension before next season, absolutely,” Bohn said. “It’s accurate to say there is not an extension at this point. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be one before next season. We haven’t made that decision.”
The Rocky Mountain News, citing a source close to the program, reported today that Patton had been informed he would not have his contract extended. Patton’s contract expires in June, 2007.
“That is inaccurate,” Bohn said. “There has been no decision made at this time. Obviously, the source isn’t as accurate as he or she thinks they are. They certainly aren’t privy to my thinking or decision-making process in any way…Why would we decide now? We’re not going to (give up on next season).”
Patton, reached on a golf course today, said he plans on coaching next season. He would not comment further on his status or what he’s been told about his situation.
“We talk to our players about commitment, and I plan to honor my commitment,” Patton said. “I have nothing else to say about it. I don’t have any thoughts on it. What else can I say? I’m done commenting about it. Talk to Mike Bohn.”
Bohn reiterated what he has said since the season ended, that he is in the midst of compiling a 10-point improvement plan for the basketball programs, after which he might address Patton’s contract situation. He originally targeted release of the plan for late April. He has said in several interviews over the past few months that the basketball programs have not gotten the administrative support they’ve needed at CU.
“What has actually been told to Ricardo Patton is that a contract extension is not part of the ’10-point program’ to, in essence, improve all aspects of the basketball program,” Bohn said. “We’re not focusing on Ricardo. We’re focusing on other elements that we believe we need to improve upon.
“At this time, I’m not prepared to make a long-term decision (on Patton). But we’re going to do everything we can to improve the program.”
Patton just finished his 10th full season at CU, where he ranks second on the all-time coaching wins list with 177. He’s led the Buffs to three of the school’s four 20-win seasons and to two NCAA Tournaments. Colorado finished 20-10 this past season and lost in the first round of the NIT.
