AMHERST, Mass. – In a strange turn of events, Winthrop Coach Pat Kelsey backed out of an agreement to take over as coach of the UMass men’s basketball team Thursday, citing personal reasons.
UMass athletic director Ryan Bamford said Kelsey asked to be let out of his contract that was signed Tuesday, making clear that it was for “very personal” reasons.
Kelsey said in a statement released by the university that he is sorry and felt welcome while on campus. Winthrop AD Ken Halpin said Friday that he “never received a letter of resignation (from Kelsey). So his contract has not changed. Right now, he’s our coach, under contract.”
Kelsey was scheduled to meet with reporters in Amherst, Mass., on Thursday, but UMass abruptly canceled just before the press conference was set to begin.
UMass fired Derek Kellogg after the Minutemen finished 15-18 this season. The team was 155-137 overall in nine seasons under Kellogg and just 67-83 in Atlantic 10 play.