UTSA Suspends Basketball Coach Austin Claunch
The head coach faces a suspension following an arrest for driving while intoxicated in Nueces County.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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UTSA has suspended head basketball coach Austin Claunch after his arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The university announced the decision on Wednesday as the team prepares to open its season.
Why it matters
The move reflects the commitment of the UTSA athletics department to maintain specific conduct and accountability standards for its staff. University officials are currently reviewing the incident to determine the length of the suspension.
Nick Bowman has been named the acting head coach while the university reviews the situation. Claunch’s suspension follows his arrest for driving while intoxicated, with no final timeline for his return established yet.
The players
Austin Claunch
He is the head men's basketball coach at UTSA who has been placed on suspension following a legal incident.
Nick Bowman
He is the acting head coach for the UTSA men's basketball team during the current disciplinary period.
UTSA
This is the University of Texas at San Antonio athletics department that is managing the current coaching vacancy.
The details
The university is actively evaluating the circumstances surrounding the arrest to decide how long the suspension will last. In the interim, Nick Bowman has stepped in to assume all head coaching responsibilities for the program.
Timeline
Austin Claunch was arrested on Tuesday.
UTSA announced the suspension on Wednesday.
UTSA opens the season at San Jose State on Monday.
Season Trajectory
The sudden leadership change creates significant uncertainty for the team just days before the season opener at San Jose State. This disruption tests the depth of the coaching staff and the stability of the program as the season begins.
With the season opener at San Jose State arriving this Monday, the team must now prepare under the direction of Nick Bowman. This change significantly alters the coaching rotation and leadership structure for the start of the season.
The takeaway
Maintaining professional conduct is a requirement for staff at the university level regardless of the sport. Fans and team members will be watching closely to see how the squad adjusts to new leadership during the upcoming season opener.
Further reading
Get more updates on the team by visiting the San Antonio Basketball page.
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Should universities hold their sports coaches to strict personal conduct standards off the court?
