Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 17, 1990 TAG: 9003172386
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RAY COX SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The school issued a statement early Friday evening that said Purnell's three-year contract will not be extended this year.
The statement said Purnell would be back for next season but that negotiations on a new contract would not begin until 1991, probably in February.
Purnell is in the second year of a contract that pays him $52,000 a year. Traditionally at Radford, negotiations on new contracts for the basketball coach have begun after the second year of three-year agreements.
Radford athletic director Chuck Taylor declined to elaborate on the written statement.
Purnell said Friday night that Taylor expects him back for the 1991-92 season. "He told me he thought I'd be here in 1991-92," Purnell said. "My task is to work hard, recruit and improve the basketball program at Radford University."
Asked if he was disappointed that Taylor didn't give him a public vote of confidence in the statement, Purnell said, "I don't think it's a disappointment. Dr. Taylor said he expected me back and I've got to go on that. I've got to put a positive spin on this."
Purnell cannot take comfort from the experiences of his predecessor, Joe Davis. When Taylor did not offer to begin talks on a new contract after the second year of Davis' last contract, Davis went into the final year uncertain as to where he stood. When neither a vote of confidence nor an offer to discuss another contract was offered, Davis announced his resignation before the end of 1987-88 season.
Davis finished the season, but Radford had a new coach, Purnell, by early summer of 1988.
The Purnell era got off to fast start, then foundered. Radford was 7-22 this season, the worst record in school history. The Highlanders were last in the Big South Conference and had a school record 11-game losing streak.
Purnell has pointed to Radford's strong finish. The Highlanders won three of their last five, including a rout of Campbell in the opening round of the Big South Tournament.
Taylor and Purnell met after Radford was eliminated from the tournament, then met again Friday.
The university's statement on Friday said Taylor then recommended to Radford President Donald N. Dedmon that Purnell's contract not be renewed now. The statement said Dedmon accepted that view.
by CNB