Dan Muscatell was named the interim head coach of the women’s basketball team Wednesday after Jody Runge resigned from the position Monday.
Muscatell, who has been an assistant coach the past two seasons and has worked primarily as the recruiting coordinator, said he has not decided if he will apply to be Runge’s full-time successor. He did, however, reportedly interview Tuesday for an assistant position at Oregon State.
Several Ducks mentioned Muscatell as their favorite candidate for the head coaching job.
Athletic Director Bill Moos expects a large pool of candidates to apply for the vacant position before the May 21 deadline.
Muscatell, 41, said he and the other two assistants — Fred Litzenberger and Kirsten McKnight — will continue to keep the team in check until a new coach is found.
“It’s really important for people to understand it’s a temporary position,” Muscatell said. “It does not change the function of our staff members. We’re going to continue to work together to move the program in a positive direction.”
Moos said one of his main concerns was dealing with the recruits. Six high school players signed letters of intent to join the squad next season.
“I felt it was important at this time to have some leadership in position as we work with current players and continue communication with incoming recruits,” Moos said. “Because of his role as the program’s primary recruiter as well as his rapport with the current players, Dan became the obvious choice.
“All three assistants will be in charge of different areas within the program, with Dan overseeing the entire operation at this time.”
Runge led the Ducks to eight straight NCAA Tournament appearances while compiling the best winning percentage of any coach in school history. She resigned after two months of turmoil, which included a players’ meeting with Moos and an investigation of the program by a Kansas City-based law firm.
University President Dave Frohnmayer said Wednesday that it was “gratifying” to have both sides come to an agreement and resolve the issue. Runge, who had two years remaining on a $140,000 contract, and the Athletic Department agreed to a half-million dollar settlement.
Runge said Tuesday that the report handed in by Bond, Schoeneck & King was not the reason for her departure.
The University is still debating whether it will make the report public. Frohnmayer said there are several “significant” issues that will have to be dealt with before a decision is made.
The University may send the report to the state attorney general’s office, who could then make a decision, Frohnmayer said.