UTSA suspends basketball coach Austin Claunch after DWI arrest
Assistant coach Nick Bowman will lead the team for its season opener against San Jose State on Monday.
By Olivia Miller ·
Austin Claunch, the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio, is suspended from his duties effective Wednesday. The university announced the action following his arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Officials have not yet set a timeline for his return to the sideline.
UTSA Athletics confirmed that assistant coach Nick Bowman will act as head coach during Claunch’s absence. The team is set to begin its season on Monday with a road game against San Jose State University in California. The suspension was announced the same day the program held its media day event, where Claunch and players had previously addressed reporters.
The timing of the arrest relative to the media day appearances remains unclear. UTSA Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Lisa Campos said the department expects its staff and student-athletes to meet high standards of conduct. She stated that the university takes the matter seriously and will handle it according to established policies and procedures.
In a written statement, Claunch described his actions as a grave error in judgment. He apologized to his players, colleagues, and the broader Roadrunner community. Claunch said he recognizes the example he must set on and off the court and admitted he fell short of those expectations. He expressed a commitment to learning from the experience and earning back the trust of those who support him.
The university has not released further details regarding the circumstances of the arrest or the specific duration of the suspension. Claunch remains the designated head coach on staff but will not lead the team until the suspension is resolved.
