Mark Adams Steps Down At Texas Tech After Racially Insensitive Remark

Mark Adams has stepped down as head coach of the Texas Tech men’s basketball program after making a racially insensitive comment earlier this week that led to his suspension.

Adams resigned after the Red Raiders were eliminated by West Virginia, 78-62, in the Big 12 Tournament.

“My lifelong goal was to help and be a positive influence on my players, and to be a part of the Texas Tech men’s basketball team,” Adams said in a statement. “However, both the University and I believe this incident has become a distraction for the Texas Tech men’s basketball team and the University, which I care about so deeply.”

Texas Tech earlier this week suspended Adams for what the school called an “inappropriate, unacceptable, and racially insensitive comment” to a player who was not identified.

“Adams was encouraging the student-athlete to be more receptive to coaching and referenced Bible verses about workers, teachers, parents, and slaves serving their masters,” the school said. “Adams immediately addressed this with the team and apologized.”

Adams, 66, went 43-25 in two seasons at the Big 12 school, including a Sweet 16 appearance last season.

North Texas coach Grant McCasland is a serious contender to replace Adams, while Iona’s Rick Pitino is another possibility.

McCasland, 46, is 126-64 in five season, with one NCAA Tournament appearance.

Pitino, 70, was named the MAAC Coach of the Year for the second straight season, and was exonerated earlier this season by the IARP in the Louisville infractions case.

One of three coaches to lead five programs to the NCAA Tournament, he is also expected to be in the mix at St. John’s should the school part ways with Mike Anderson. Pitino is currently coaching Iona in the MAAC Tournament.