LAFAYETTE — Louisiana Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Bryan Maggard spoke with media on Friday, Dec. 20 explaining his decision to fire Bob Marlin as men's basketball head coach.
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According to Maggard, Marlin was presented with two options during a conversation on Monday: announce his retirement and finish the season or accept a $400,000 buyout and be relieved of his duties immediately. Marlin, who led the Ragin’ Cajuns program for 15 years, chose the latter.
The decision comes amid dwindling fan support for men’s basketball, with Maggard noting that a change was necessary to reinvigorate the program.
Assistant coach Derrick Zimmerman will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, overseeing the team’s final 19 games.
Maggard now faces the challenge of making another significant hire in 2024. His last major appointment came earlier this year when he named Alyson Habetz as head coach of the UL softball program.
While the search for Marlin’s replacement is underway, Maggard emphasized he is in no rush to make a decision and currently has no list of candidates. Instead, he plans to decompress during the holiday season, attend the Ragin’ Cajuns football team’s New Mexico Bowl appearance, and begin the hiring process in earnest on Monday, Dec. 30.
Maggard outlined key traits he’s seeking in the program’s next leader, including:
• A relationship builder
• A proven winner
• A relentless recruiter
• A strong player developer
• A coach who values academics
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