New OSU Coach Expected To Be Named

Multiple sources at both Oklahoma State University and the University of Massachusetts have now confirmed that UMass coach Travis Ford has tentatively accepted an offer to be OSU's new head basketball coach.  A news conference is set for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday in Stillwater where it is expected that Ford will be introduced as head basketball coach for the Cowboys.

It is believed that Mike Holder met with Ford Monday evening or Tuesday morning before Holder met with Southern Illinois coach Chris Lowry on Tuesday.

Ford led UMass to the NIT championship game this past season, where the team lost to Ohio State.

OSU is currently without a basketball coach after Sean Sutton resigned April 1.  Under Sutton, the Cowboys failed to reach the NCAA tournament in 2007 and 2008.

Ford has a record of 62-35 in three seasons at UMass. 

OSU had originally pursued Kansas coach Bill Self, but Self withdrew his name from consideration earlier this month. 

Related stories:

4/7/2008  OSU Releases Settlement Details

4/1/2008  Fans React To Sutton's Departure

4/1/2008  Sutton Out At Oklahoma State