New Mexico and head coach Paul Weir will part ways after this season

New Mexico has agreed to mutually part ways with head basketball coach Paul Weir at the conclusion of this season. Weir, who has been at UNM since 2017, will still coach the Lobos over the next two weeks in their final game and in the MWC Tournament.

“Paul and I agree that a change of leadership in our men’s basketball program is in our best interest at this time,” AD Eddie Nuñez said in a release on Friday. “While this year has certainly been challenging for Coach Weir, his staff, and our student-athletes, after evaluating the overall program, it is the appropriate time for a new beginning. I want to thank Paul and his family for their commitment and service to New Mexico and we wish them the very best in the future.”

New Mexico hired Weir away from rival New Mexico State, where he had been for 10 years and had just taken the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament in his sole season as head coach. However, he has yet to take the Lobos to the postseason and this year will finish at the bottom of the Mountain West standings.

“This is the perfect time for a transition in Lobo Basketball,” Weir said in a statement. “I can’t imagine a more optimal epoch than now for all of us to embrace a fresh start. I am incredibly thankful to Eddie, President Stokes, and the UNM personnel that have kindly provided the opportunity for me to segue my career in such a courteous manner. Their leadership will surely make this next chapter of Lobo Basketball the greatest one yet.”

Per the school, a national search to hire the next UNM head coach will begin immediately.

credit to Ethan Miller/Getty Images for the image