UTSA suspends coach Austin Claunch after arrest, school announces

UTSA suspends coach Austin Claunch after arrest, school announces. Austin Curtright USA TODAY NETWORK.

Key points

• Claunch, a former Alabama assistant, has a 17-44 record in two seasons with the Roadrunners, including a 5-25 mark last season.
• REQUIRED READING: Men's college basketball rankings: Preseason USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, AP Top 25.
• The 36-year-old was previously an assistant at George Mason, Clemson and Nicholls, where he eventually was elevated to head coach.
• The 2026-2027 men's college basketball season is upon us.
• UTSA is suspending men's basketball coach Austin Claunch after he was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI), the school confirmed on Wednesday, Oct.

UTSA suspends coach Austin Claunch after arrest, school announces. Austin Curtright USA TODAY NETWORK. Florida takes top spot in men's college basketball preseason rankings.

In practice, the 2026-2027 men's college basketball season is upon us. Find out who takes the top spot, and who could be contenders this year.

UTSA is suspending men's basketball coach Austin Claunch after he was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI), the school confirmed on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Assistant coach Nick Bowman will serve as the interim coach while the university is "reviewing the circumstances and will determine appropriate next steps."

"UTSA Athletics holds its coaches, staff, and student-athletes to high standards of conduct and accountability, " athletic director Lisa Camos remarked in the news release. "We take this matter seriously and will address it in accordance with university policies and procedures."

"I made a grave error in judgment, and I deeply regret my actions and the disappointment I have caused, " Claunch remarked in the release. "I sincerely apologize to the young men I have privilege of coaching, my fellow coaches and colleagues, President (Taylor) Eighmy, Dr. Lisa Campos and the entire Roadrunner community."

"I recognize the responsibility that comes with being a head coach and the example I am projected to set, both on and off the court. I fell short of those expectations, and for that, I am truly sorry. I take responsibility for my decisions and am committed to learning from the experience and earning back the trust and confidence of those who have placed their faith in me." Claunch was arrested on Oct. 27, per multiple reports.

For context, the 36-year-old was previously an assistant at George Mason, Clemson and Nicholls, where he eventually was elevated to head coach. Claunch was the youngest head coach in Division I from 2018-21 after taking over at Nicholls. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

In short, UTSA suspends coach Austin Claunch after arrest, school announces is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.