One of the most controversial eras in Oregon sports history is over; Jody Runge and her .687 winning percentage are gone.
Now, the search for Runge’s replacement begins.
An interim coach for the women’s basketball team was expected to be named late Tuesday, but Athletic Director Bill Moos said he would not make the announcement until today. One of the three assistant coaches — Fred Litzenberger, Dan Muscatelland Kirsten McKnight — will take over the program temporarily to make sure the players continue workouts until a new coach is hired.
“The assistants are under contract and they are working with the team right now and contacting recruits,” Moos said. “They are very qualified and talented people. In a perfect world, you’d love to retain all three of them, but that is usually not the norm.”
Moos said he told the assistants that they are welcome to apply for the position, but as of Tuesday, none had made a decision.
With respect to Runge, Litzenberger said the assistants will not speak to the media about the situation.
“The three assistant coaches have made a decision not to comment at this time,” said Litzenberger, a six-year veteran of the women’s program. “Maybe in a week or two we’ll talk about it. But we just want her exit to go smoothly.”
In the meantime, Moos said Tuesday that he has already received a number of applications, although he did not know exactly how many.
“The position is being advertised, and we are accepting applications as of [Tuesday],” Moos said. “Interest in it is extremely high, which is no surprise.”
Because of Runge’s success at McArthur Court, Moos said he expects to receive a large pool of applications.
“Oregon is now a destination and not a stepping stone,” Moos said. “To Jody Runge’s credit and to the community of Eugene’s credit, this is a very appealing position.”
Several players expressed desire for a coach with whom they can build a relationship. Muscatell, the team’s primary recruiter, has been mentioned on more than one occasion as the players’ favorite coach.
“I want a players’ coach,” guard Jamie Craighead said. “I respect Runge for all that she did for this program, but we just want to move on and continue the winning tradition.”
“We just want someone who cares about us as people as well as basketball players,” forward Ndidi Unaka said. “We want a fresh start.
“It can’t get any worse.”