America EastBasketballFiring

Maine, Richard Barron part ways after four seasons

Maine announced on Thursday an agreement to mutually part ways with head men’s basketball coach Richard Barron. Hired in 2018, Barron went 21-76 with no postseason appearances in nearly four seasons at the helm.

“After many conversations with Coach Barron regarding the direction of our men’s basketball program, we have agreed that a new voice is needed to lead the team,” AD Ken Ralph said in the release. “Although a change in leadership is always a difficult situation, we agree that this decision is in the best interest of our student-athletes. Richard has approached every day with passion and energy during his time in Orono. We thank Coach Barron for all of his hard work over his 11 years at the University of Maine and wish him and his family all of the best in the next phase of their lives.”

Barron was hired after spending six seasons as the head women’s basketball coach at Maine, during which time he went 85-93 and took the Black Bears to two WNITs.

“The University of Maine has been at the center of my life for the past 11 years and I leave the University with a tremendous sense of gratitude and regret,” said Barron. “The gratitude is for the wonderful relationships with players, coaches, and so many members of the University community. The regret is that I was not successful in turning around the men’s program. I agree with Ken that a new voice is needed and I will always cheer for my successor and all the young men in the program with great loyalty. There are many reasons for optimism around men’s basketball, the department, and the University, and now is the right time for a new leader for the program. Thank you Black Bear Nation for some wonderful memories and for all you have done for me and my family.”

Maine is currently just 5-20 (2-12) on the season with four regular season games and the America East Tournament remaining on the schedule. The team will be led in the interim by assistant coach Jai Steadman, who is familiar with the interim role after being tabbed to lead UTRGV one year ago following the tragic passing of Lew Hill.

 

credit to Maine Athletics for the image