The University of Idaho Argonaut

University of Idaho Director of Athletics Rob Spear announced this morning that men’s basketball coach George Pfeifer would not be returning to Idaho for the 2008-09 season.

The decision comes after Pfeifer doubled his team’s win total, and raised its conference ranking from ninth in the Western Athletic Conference to sixth in the WAC in his second year as the Vandal head coach.

“George improved the competitiveness of the program and I commend him for his effort,” Spear said. “However, in evaluating all aspects of the program and its future, the timing is right to make a change.”

Pfeifer issued a statement after hearing the decision.

“I regret we were not able to complete our journey at the University of Idaho,” Pfeifer said. “We were hired to improve the men’s basketball program. In not quite two full years we moved the men’s program from the cellar of the Western Athletic Conference to a sixth-place finish when coaches and media polls picked us to finish last.”

Pfeifer has one year left on his original three year contract.

“We made our best strides in the end when I believe it is the most important,” he said. “I feel satisfaction that we have underclassmen who garnered athletic accolades and strong statistics again in the WAC. I am very proud that our seniors are presently on track to graduate. I appreciate the opportunity to coach at the University of Idaho and wish this institution the best in the future.”

Pfeifer had one year left on his original three year contract. The coach had a record of 12-48 with the Idaho team.

“I appreciate the opportunity to coach at the University of Idaho and wish this institution the best in the future,” Pfeifer said.

Specifics on the decision and the effects it will have on the rest of the Idaho men’s basketball program are not yet known. However, a statement released by the athletic department said they are already in the process of finding a new coach for the men’s basketball program.

The fate of the women’s basketball coach, Mike Divilbiss, is undecided.