In April 2006, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Tom Collins was excited and smiling broadly when he entered the Worthen Arena media room to introduce Ronny Thompson as head coach of Ball State University men's basketball team. On Friday, he was visibly anxious and somber as he returned to that room to discuss Thompson's resignation and announce, for the second time in two years, a search for a new men's basketball coach.
"We're in the early stages of it right now," he said. "We really don't have a timeline. The phone started ringing [Thursday]. Resumes are coming in [on Friday]. I want to move efficiently, and I want to have a deep and diverse pool of candidates."
Thompson resigned as head coach of the Ball State men's basketball team Thursday, following two weeks of rumors and speculation that he was preparing to leave the university. Anonymous notes containing racial slurs were also left in the men's basketball office on June 24, which jumpstarted the speculation.
A hand delivered letter of resignation arrived at President Jo Ann Gora's office and Collins said he received a copy by e-mail Thursday. The days before Thompson resigned, Collins repeatedly stated his full support for Thompson and denied that there would be a coaching change.
Thompson cited concerns about a recent investigation by the university into NCAA violations committed by the coaching staff as the reason he left the program, Collins said. The university has hired a legal firm; Ice Miller, LLP; to conduct an independent external investigation into the Ball State's internal investigation.
"[Thompson] indicated some things in his letter, but again his resignation letter would be part of his personnel file and not available to [the media]," Collins said.
Ball State enters the coaching search with a team that had a 9-22 record last season, which is the most single-season losses in program history. Six players transferred since Thompson was hired, and the program is under increased scrutiny by the NCAA for committing the same violations twice in a year. Despite those negative factors, Collins said he feels that the Ball State job is an attractive position.
"There's a lot of good things to sell here," Collins said. "I think a lot of people are going to be very interested."
Collins said he had already received calls from several people expressing interest in the job. He declined, however, to give details on any possible candidates.
"There's a lot of people interested in this job," Collins said. "I think we want to bring a leader in here, somebody who can recruit Indiana kids, somebody who can coach, somebody that's a good teacher. Somebody who understands Ball State University and can fit into our community here."
Collins said he did not think hiring Thompson was a mistake but added that he learned from the experience and would use that knowledge in the new search.
"I think I've learned a few things from this," Collins said, again refusing to elaborate. "And I think I'll take those things and probably rely on a few more people for some external input."
Several calls placed to various men's basketball head and assistant coaches throughout the Midwest or with ties to Ball State were unreturned as of Sunday evening. One prospect, IPFW head coach Dane Fife, said that he was focused on recruiting for the Mastodons.
"I'm not to the point where I'm thinking about other jobs," Fife said. "[But] anything's possible."
Collins also said that he would contact the current assistant coaches to work on the transition. Calls to Bill Howze and Troy Collier were not returned by Sunday night. Steve Flint said he had been on the road recruiting and has not been in contact with Collins.
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