Iona head coach Tim Cluess, who led the Gaels to the NCAA tournament in back-to-back seasons, has confirmed that he plans to stay in New Rochelle for the foreseeable future.
“I’m excited about the coming season and continuing to build on our success. I believe in the future of men’s basketball and the College itself,” Cluess said in a statement released by the college. “President Nyre and the entire Iona community have been so supportive of me and our program.”
Cluess was considered a flight risk after Hofstra fired Mo Cassara two weeks ago. Cluess played for Hofstra in the early 80s, and was reported to be in negotiations with his alma mater.
No details of the deal have been released as yet, but Iona was wise to make the proactive gesture as a helping hand for Cluess. As much as he might love Hofstra, the program is in disarray right now, and a new contract allows him to say no without openly embarrassing his former school.
The Pride may be more likely to land an up-and-coming assistant who will happily take on the rebuilding process at this point. The allure of the CAA has dimmed considerably with the recent departures of George Mason, VCU and Old Dominion.
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