2008 Woodie Awards
Thomas resigns as Leathernecks basketball coach
Ryan Ferguson
Issue date: 3/7/08 Section: Summit League Basketball Tournament
Dr. Tim Van Alstine, Western Illinois' Athletics Director, announced men's basketball coach Derek Thomas' resignation Tuesday.
The resignation comes on the heels of Sunday night's 80-66 loss to Oakland in the Summit League Tournament.
"I am grateful for the opportunity Western Illinois gave me to be a Division I head coach," Thomas said. "I am disappointed that we were not able to earn more victories over the past few years, but I feel very good about the way I am resigning from this program, which I feel is in better shape than when I arrived five years ago."
In five years at Western, Thomas posted a 40-104 record. His best season was this year when the Leathernecks earned a 12-18 record.
"Our expectations for a winning record and successful performance on the court have not been met," Van Alstine said. "Our goals continue to be graduating student-athletes, winning conference championships and advancing to NCAA tournaments. We have seen Derek and his staff impact the lives of many young student-athletes over the last several years. With a lot of tremendous hard work, he has raised the talent level and the academic level of Western Illinois basketball and has positioned us for success in the future, but after ongoing evaluation of our progress, it is apparent that a change needs to take place in order to realize our goals."
A search for Thomas' replacement will begin immediately.
"I know Derek worked very hard here at Western in his first head coaching position," Van Alstine said. "I firmly believe he will use this experience and the knowledge he gained and go on to have a successful career. He will make a very good head coach in the future. I appreciate everything Derek has done for the University and the Macomb community. We wish him and his family the very best of luck."
The resignation comes on the heels of Sunday night's 80-66 loss to Oakland in the Summit League Tournament.
"I am grateful for the opportunity Western Illinois gave me to be a Division I head coach," Thomas said. "I am disappointed that we were not able to earn more victories over the past few years, but I feel very good about the way I am resigning from this program, which I feel is in better shape than when I arrived five years ago."
In five years at Western, Thomas posted a 40-104 record. His best season was this year when the Leathernecks earned a 12-18 record.
"Our expectations for a winning record and successful performance on the court have not been met," Van Alstine said. "Our goals continue to be graduating student-athletes, winning conference championships and advancing to NCAA tournaments. We have seen Derek and his staff impact the lives of many young student-athletes over the last several years. With a lot of tremendous hard work, he has raised the talent level and the academic level of Western Illinois basketball and has positioned us for success in the future, but after ongoing evaluation of our progress, it is apparent that a change needs to take place in order to realize our goals."
A search for Thomas' replacement will begin immediately.
"I know Derek worked very hard here at Western in his first head coaching position," Van Alstine said. "I firmly believe he will use this experience and the knowledge he gained and go on to have a successful career. He will make a very good head coach in the future. I appreciate everything Derek has done for the University and the Macomb community. We wish him and his family the very best of luck."
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
Keith
posted 3/11/08 @ 9:58 PM CST
I was recruited by jim kerwin but he quit and I was forced to be coached by thomas in my only year at WIU during the 2003-04 season, and he was by far the worst coach I ever had. (Continued…)
TOM
posted 3/11/08 @ 10:01 PM CST
Resigned before he got launched. The basketball program there has been a joke since Margenthaler left. Is a .500 season too much to ask?
leatherneck
posted 3/11/08 @ 10:37 PM CST
good riddance. what a waste of 5 years for leatherneck basketball. read keith's comment or the past courier articles about what a bad coach former players found him to be. (Continued…)
Brian Hayes
posted 3/12/08 @ 4:33 AM CST
Hey Leatherneck, how does one access the previous comments that Keith made about the former coach?
leatherneck
posted 3/13/08 @ 4:59 PM CST
just click on (Continued...) where his comment leaves off. and if you are interested in finding the other courier article, you can find it here: http://www. (Continued…)
Jim
posted 3/14/08 @ 12:15 PM CST
Yeah, he "resigned" *after* being told on Tuesday that his contract wasn't be renewed. A five-year record of 40-104?? Holy moly.
keith
posted 3/16/08 @ 1:42 AM CST
Hey leatherneck, how can I see if someone has commented on my comment.
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