UTSA SUSPENDS AUSTIN CLAUNCH AFTER ARREST ON DWI SUSPICION

The University of Texas at San Antonio said it suspended men’s basketball head coach Austin Claunch on Wednesday following his arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. UTSA said it was reviewing the circumstances and would determine the length of his suspension. The university issued its statement shortly after 6pm, hours after Claunch spoke to reporters about the 2026–27 season. Claunch subsequently issued an apology to the players he coaches, his colleagues and the Roadrunner community.

“I made a grave error in judgment, and I deeply regret my actions and the disappointment I have caused,” Claunch said. He also apologised to President Eighmy and Lisa Campos, UTSA’s vice-president for intercollegiate athletics. Claunch said he recognised the example expected of a head coach “both on and off the court”. The 2026–27 season is his third as head coach; the Roadrunners finished the previous season with a 4–25 record.

Assistant coach Nick Bowman will serve as acting head coach during Claunch’s absence, Campos said. The Roadrunners are due to open their season away to San Jose State on 2 November. UTSA has not announced when it will complete its review or how long Claunch will remain suspended. Claunch said he took responsibility for his decisions and was committed to earning back the trust of those who had placed faith in him.