Aug. 24, 2005

University of Cincinnati President Nancy Zimpher addressed the media Aug. 23. photo/Andrew Higley

You may have heard in the last few days that negotiations with UC Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Huggins had been reopened. Recall that on May 16, after a previous round of negotiations, Coach Huggins announced that he planned to fulfill his contract and coach for UC for two more years. More recently, Coach Huggins has expressed his unwillingness to continue under the terms of that agreement, so we have worked to develop an equitable separation from the university. On Tuesday morning, Coach Huggins’ agent was presented with two options for closing out his coaching career at UC. These options are now a matter of public record.
 

This news generated much interest in the media. Since much of what has been said about the university’s position in this matter is speculation, we decided to clarify the record in a press conference that was held at 6 p.m. yesterday. As I write this, Coach Huggins has not informed us of which option he intends to select, but he has until Wednesday afternoon to decide. I wanted to share with you my thinking on this matter now, as I know that your families, friends, and neighbors may turn to you for information. 

Given the confidential nature of personnel discussions, the university has been constrained from divulging the full content of our negotiations with Coach Huggins. It would have been inappropriate and unprofessional to do otherwise. Because of a recent public records request from the media and to correct the record, UC is now compelled to release the correspondence exchanged during the course of the negotiations. 

Throughout our negotiations with Coach Huggins we have recognized his achievements over the last 16 years and have worked to accommodate his interests. Within the context of our new academic plan, UC|21: Defining the New Urban Research University, we are raising standards at the University of Cincinnati across the board—in academics, athletics, and service.
 

We make no apologies for setting high standards. Our focus on high standards is part of the remarkable transformation that UC has undergone in the last decade and our work to make UC one of the best universities in this country continues. This is the essence of UC|21. To reach these goals, we have set high expectations for academics and athletics.
 

In our athletic programs:

• We want our students to win in the classroom as well as on the basketball court and playing fields.

• Student athletes recruited by UC must expect to work diligently toward a degree. We want to count them all as alumni someday.

• Character counts. Our coaches must be exemplary role models, on the court and off.
Student athletes are highly visible ambassadors for the University of Cincinnati. They must be expected to treat others with respect and to recognize that they, too, are role models. 

The UC Board of Trustees led by Chair Phil Cox, Athletics Director Bob Goin and I are united in our belief that we can achieve these high expectations for our athletic programs. We will work tirelessly to build on our past accomplishments and create a reputation and a record that is worthy of the Big East, worthy of our Bearcats family, and worthy of the best urban university in the country. 

Our entire UC family has embraced the goals of UC|21. With your continued commitment and contributions to the university, we can reach those goals. Together we will raise UC to new heights of excellence, achievement, and prominence.
 

Links :

Video of press conference

News release regarding termination