Rumors have been swirling that Oklahoma State could be looking to part ways with head coach Travis Ford in recent days. On Tuesday, Cowboy athletic director Mike Holder released a statement defending Ford and saying that he would remain Oklahoma State’s head coach.
Here is the full statement released by Holder:
Also showing public support for Ford on Tuesday was noted Oklahoma State booster and billionaire T. Boone Pickens. The hedge fund chairman took to Twitter to support Ford.
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I'm in Travis Ford's camp. He deserves more time at #OKState. Go Pokes! @BerryTramel @jjhelsley @OSUCoachFord5 @OSUMBB
— T. Boone Pickens (@boonepickens) March 31, 2015
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Having the public support of the athletic director and a billionaire booster would seem to indicate that Ford will definitely return next season. It also doesn’t hurt that Ford would be owed the full amount of the 10-year contract extension that he signed in 2009. According to a report from Erik Horne of News Oklahoma, that amount would be $9.6 million.
Ford just completed his seventh season as the head coach at Oklahoma State, where he has compiled a 143-91 record at the school. The Cowboys have made the tournament in five of those seasons, but have lost in the opening game the last four times.
(H/t: News Oklahoma)