Austin Claunch hired as UTSA head coach

Alabama assistant Austin Claunch has been announced as the new head coach at UTSA. Claunch was previously the head coach at Nicholls for five seasons before leaving last year to join Nate Oats‘ staff in Tuscaloosa.

“I am extremely excited to welcome Austin Claunch as our next head men’s basketball coach,” AD Lisa Campos said. “He had great success as the head coach at Nicholls and has gained valuable experience at some of the top programs in the country. He has high energy, a relentless work ethic and a strong basketball IQ. What really stood out to me is that when we talked to people about Austin, what kept coming up time and again was his unique ability to connect with people from all backgrounds and build great relationships. He is completely aligned with my vision and our values as a department and an institution. He will be a terrific leader of our student-athletes and I am confident he will elevate our program to new heights.”

Claunch, 34, went 90-61 in five seasons with the Colonels, winning two Southland titles (2021 and 2022) and earning Southland COY honors in 2021. He is originally from Cypress, Texas in the Houston area, just about 200 miles east of the UTSA campus.

“This is genuinely a dream come true being from Texas and growing up in this state,” Claunch said. “I take a lot of pride in being a Texan and knowing the passion of the community as a whole. The potential of the UTSA program really excites me. I think we can be really good for a long time, but I don’t think it will take a long time to be really good. I want to thank Dr. Eighmy, Dr. Campos and the whole administration for this opportunity. I am ready to get to work.”

UTSA parted ways with former head coach Steve Henson earlier this week after eight seasons and no NCAA or NIT appearances. The Roadrunners have been to the NCAA Tournament four times, most recently in 2011, and are coming off their first season of AAC play.

credit to UTSA Athletics for the image