Associated Press
COLLEGE PARK, Md. ó Maryland athletic director Debbie Yow affirmed her support for men’s basketball coach Gary Williams on Monday, expressing optimism for this season and stressing that his job is secure.
The Terrapins are 14-7 overall this season and 3-4 in the ACC as they prepare for tonight’s game at third-ranked North Carolina, which has lost two straight in the series.
Williams has been criticized for letting his program sink since Maryland won the NCAA championship in 2002. The coach, in his 20th season with the Terrapins, has been forced over the past couple of weeks to defend his recruiting and determination to win.
Yow had not commented on the situation in the aftermath of the death of her sister, N.C. State women’s basketball coach Kay Yow. The funeral was Saturday.
Speaking to reporters, Debbie Yow said Monday, “I really want to lay to rest these crazy rumors that are floating around related to the job security of Coach Williams. He has my full support, as he does from the department and from the university.
“He and I communicate regularly, and a couple of things he’s communicated to me are pretty important. One of these is he’s very optimistic about the future, and he’s very focused about recruiting. He’s after it with as much enthusiasm and passion as I’ve seen in my 15 years here.”
Yow said she expects Williams to serve the remainder of his contract, which has 31/2 more years and a one-year rollover if the Terps make the NCAA tournament this season.