Tuesday, March 6, 2018
by Central Washington Athletic Communications

ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington University's Director of Athletics Dennis Francois, announced today that the University would not be renewing head men's basketball coach Greg Sparling's contract.

"After a thorough review of our men's basketball program, I came to the conclusion that it was in the program's best interest to go in a different direction," Francois said. "Central has a storied basketball program and Greg has certainly been an integral part for the last 29 years as both a player and coach. We greatly appreciate all that Greg has contributed to the program and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors."

Sparling was just the thirteenth head coach in the history of Central and only the school's fourth coach since 1929. He served as the interim head coach during the 1994-95 season after Head Coach Gil Coleman passed away late in the season. Sparling was named the permanent coach the following season.

Sparling, who transferred from Highline Community College, played for Coleman during his senior campaign, and one season under legendary coach Dean Nicholson in 1989-90, which was Nicholson's last season at the helm of the program.

Associate Head Coach Drew Harris will oversee the day-to-day operations of the program until a successor is named. Francois said a national search for the next head coach will begin immediately with the hope of identifying the program's new leader by early April.