Wofford coach Jay McAuley resigns

Wofford men’s basketball coach Jay McAuley resigned amid reports that his players were unhappy and unwilling to keep playing for him.

The school announced the news Friday night but did not provide a specific reason.

“Jay McAuley has stepped down as head coach. … Wofford basketball is thankful for his service and leadership, and we wish he and his family well in future endeavors,” the Spartanburg, S.C., school said in a brief news release.

After compiling a 53-38 record through his first three seasons — all with winning records — the Terriers were 5-4 when McAuley took a leave of absence after a 65-62 loss at Vanderbilt on Dec. 3.

Wofford (8-6, 0-1 Southern Conference) has gone 3-2 since then under interim head coach Dwight Perry, who is expected to continue in that role.

The Terriers host North Carolina Greensboro on Saturday.

McAuley, 39, was an associate coach at Wofford from 2017-19 before being hired to replace Mike Young, who left to become the head coach at Virginia Tech.

Stadium reported Friday that McCauley was “forced” to take a leave of absence after multiple players complained to the administration.

–Field Level Media