UTSA parts ways with men’s basketball coach Austin Claunch

The UTSA men’s basketball program has parted ways with former head coach Austin Claunch, university Vice President Lisa Campos declared Friday. 

The mutual agreement to part ways came after Claunch was arrested weeks ago in Corpus Christi, Texas, on a driving-while-intoxicated charge. Campos released a statement shortly after his arrest announcing his indefinite suspension for the 2026-2027 season. On Friday, though, the Vice President announced Claunch would no longer coach the Roadrunners, effective immediately. In the statement, no mention was made of Claunch’s arrest or previous suspension. Interim assistant coach Nick Bowman, who had been filling in for Claunch early in the season, will take over the Roadrunners as head coach for the rest of the year. 

“We have mutually agreed that this was the right time for a transition,” Campos said. “We thank Coach Claunch for his efforts over the last two years and wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

In his two seasons with the university, Claunch posted an overall record of 16-44, including a 4-25 season last year. The coach was signed in 2024, with a five-year, 2.75 million-dollar contract. Bowman, who coached alongside Claunch at his previous stint at Nicholls State University, signed on with Claunch in early 2024. 

“I want to thank our players, staff, administration, and fans for the support they’ve shown me during my time at UTSA,” Claunch said. “I want to thank Dr. Campos for the opportunity to coach at UTSA. I’ll always be rooting for UTSA and the young men in this program.”

Claunch was arrested on Oct. 27 after failing multiple sobriety field tests. Corpus Christi police reports revealed that the former coach was found passed out in his car with the engine running. Parked in a convenience store parking lot, employees claimed they had seen Claunch in the store, appearing to be stumbling before leaving. 

Bowman will take over for the remainder of the season, currently leading the Roadrunners to a 2-1 record as they head into their rivalry matchup against Texas State University. It is unclear whether the university will retain Bowman after this year at this time, as UTSA has made no mention of future coaching plans. 

Per reporting from Greg Luca of the San Antonio Express News, UTSA will not owe Claunch any buyout fee due to the parties mutually agreeing to terminate employment.

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