Seattle University men's basketball coach Jim Hayford, on paid administrative leave since Friday following a published report that he had used a racial slur during a scrimmage, resigned Thursday.
“It is clear to me that Coach Hayford is no longer able to effectively lead the team,” athletic director Shaney Fink said in a statement released by the school, as reported by The Associated Press.
Related: Seattle U. Places Coach on Administrative Leave Over Alleged Slur
Fink said the school will take other steps to ensure concerns within the program are addressed and has begun a review of the climate within the program. “We also recognize and appreciate the players’ desire to refocus on the season and each game in front of them,” said Fink, who named associate head coach Chris Victor as interim head coach.
Hayford had been at Seattle the previous four seasons and had a 64-55 overall record. Prior to that, he was the coach at Eastern Washington, where he led the team to a 2015 NCAA tournament appearance.
