Stu Engen's contract was not renewed Thursday after eight years as the head men's basketball coach at Minnesota State Moorhead.
"I am proud of my service to the athletic department at Minnesota State University Moorhead," Engen said in an e-mailed statement to The Forum. "I am equally as proud of my favorable teaching evaluations in the department of Health and Physical Education."
Engen declined to answer questions on Thursday, but said he was aware that MSUM athletic director Doug Peters wanted a coaching change.
Engen said he attempted to fight the decision.
A coaching change for the men's basketball team does not address the real issues plaguing MSUM, Engen said.
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"I have been with MSUM for eight seasons," Engen said in his statement. "During this time we have had five athletic directors, four head football coaches. It is my belief that it is disingenuous to pretend we are on a new path every time we make a coaching change, and it only deflects from the real issues of lack of administrative support when it comes to staffing and scholarships."
MSUM offers the equivalent of 6.69 men's basketball scholarships. The NCAA Division II maximum is 10.
Engen finished 102-120 at MSUM. The Dragons were 10-17 this season.
Engen is 306-228 in his college coaching career.
"It's the goal of our university to improve our athletic programs as a whole, from funding all the way across the board," Peters said in a phone interview from the Division II wrestling championships in Omaha. "My decision for men's basketball was just to go in a different direction than we were going. This decision was not based on wins and losses."
Peters said the search for a new coach will begin immediately. The position must be posted nationally for at least two weeks.
"I am also proud of the accomplishments of the men's basketball program," Engen said. "They have had the highest team (male sport) GPA the last two seasons.
"... Despite their youth they still won 10 contests overall and seven games in the competitive NSIC. More importantly, they showed an incredible amount of perseverance down the tail stretch of the season, winning three of their last four conference contests. Their future looks bright, and I wish them all the best."
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Readers can reach Forum reporter Heath Hotzler at (701) 241-5562
