Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 14, 1991 TAG: 9103140161
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: BEDFORD/FRANKLIN
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
ODU athletic director Jim Jarrett called Radford athletic director Chuck Taylor on Wednesday, asking permission to speak with Purnell about the Monarchs' opening, created when Tom Young was fired by the Norfolk school last week.
Taylor approved the talks, and Purnell said he expected to hear from Jarrett late Wednesday.
"I really don't know where I stand," said Purnell, who just finished his third season at Radford by coaching the Highlanders to a 22-7 record and the runner-up spot in the Big South Conference.
"There's been all kinds of speculation, and I've been sent newspaper articles from the Eastern Shore with different things in them," Purnell said. "A lot is speculation, I'm sure. Without having talked to [ODU] yet, it's hard to know just where things are."
Purnell, 37 and a 1975 ODU graduate, was an assistant coach for the Monarchs for seven seasons before moving to Maryland. After 15-13 and 7-22 seasons as the Highlanders' boss, Purnell's job was in jeopardy until Radford made its turnaround this winter. He signed a three-year contract extension during the season.
"I have a natural interest in talking to Old Dominion," said Purnell, who didn't know whether he would be interviewed by Jarrett in Norfolk, Radford, or elsewhere. "I do want to say that I'm very happy here at Radford. I love our players, and we've got it going now."
Former ODU college division All-American Dave Twardzik has spoken with his alma mater about the job, and it has been reported that Twardzik, a former NBA assistant coach and now the Charlotte Hornets' director of scouting, is the front-runner.
Purnell, a star for the Monarchs' NCAA Division II champions in 1975, also has been mentioned prominently with the vacancy.
by CNB