Driesell Forced Into New Position With Many of the Old Incentives

Lefty Driesell lost his job as basketball coach at the University of Maryland Wednesday but retained much of his lucrative contract in becoming an assistant athletic director.

Under a renegotiated deal, Driesell will be guaranteed at least $136,000 by the university for each of the next four years, and $86,000 for the remaining four years, provided he stays at the university. He will also keep his summer basketball camp on campus, which reportedly earned him about $70,000 annually in recent years.

Driesell stepped aside under pressure from an administration reacting to the cocaine-induced death of All-American Len Bias June 19 and criticism of Maryland’s academic standards for basketball players.

Chancellor John B. Slaughter praised Driesell for successes during 17 years as a coach but said that “a change of leadership is required” in the best interest of the athletic program and denied that Driesell is a scapegoat. Slaughter took full responsibility for problems that have occurred several times, but in answer to a question during a sometimes hostile news conference, said, “I have no intention of resigning.”

Slaughter also said that Driesell would be free to accept a coaching job elsewhere, but that the contract would be broken if he leaves. A new coach will be announced before the start of practice Saturday.

Driesell, who spoke to reporters with Slaughter listening, read a terse statement and wouldn’t answer any questions.

“It is obvious that the administration wants to make a coaching change and I do not want to coach if I am not wanted,” the 54-year-old coach said.