MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota coach Tubby Smith says he isn’t concerned about the effect of athletics director Joel Maturi’s retirement on his job status.
Smith spoke Thursday after Maturi announced he will step down this summer.
He says he’s “certain” he’ll be back next season, with more two years left on his contract.
Lawyers for the two sides discussed an extension last year, but that’s been tabled until a replacement for Maturi is hired. Smith says he doesn’t believe negotiations will have to start over.
Smith has been pushing for a practice facility separate from Williams Arena to keep the program competitive in the Big Ten. He says he’s not nervous about a new boss, that “the pressure is always there.”
The Gophers haven’t won an NCAA tournament game in Smith’s five seasons.
