UTSA head basketball coach Austin Claunch suspended after DWI arrest

UTSA head men’s basketball coach Austin Claunch has been suspended by the university after being arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the school announced. Claunch, who has been UTSA’s head coach since 2024, was previously an assistant at Alabama. As part of the announcement, Claunch released a statement addressing the situation. He apologized for his “grave error” in judgement, and said he fell short of the expectations he has as UTSA’s head coach. “I made a grave error in judgment, and I deeply regret my actions and the disappointment I have caused,” Claunch said. “I sincerely apologize to the young men I have the privilege of coaching, my fellow coaches and colleagues, President Eighmy, Dr. Lisa Campos and the entire Roadrunner community. I recognize the responsibility that comes with being a head coach and the example I am expected to set, both on and off the court. “I fell short of those expectations, and for that, I am truly sorry. I take full responsibility for my decisions and am committed to learning from this experience and earning back the trust and confidence of those who have placed their faith in me.” The Roadrunners begin their 2026-2027 season on Monday, November 2 at San Jose State. It will be Claunch’s third year at the helm of the program. UTSA was 12-19 overall and 6-12 in the American in Claunch’s first season in 2024-2025. They struggled tremendously last year, finishing 5-25 on the season and just 1-17 in American play. He previously served as the head coach at Nicholls from 2018-2023. He coached to a 90-61 overall record in five seasons and made the NIT Tournament in 2021-2022. Claunch was on staff at Alabama for their run to the Final Four in the 2023-2024 season. The Crimson Tide finished that season 25-12 overall after going 13-5 in SEC play. They eventually fell to UConn in the NCAA Tournament, who went on to win the National Championship. Nick Bowman, UTSA’s current assistant coach, will serve as acting head coach in Claunch’s absence. There has been no update on what the next steps will be in the suspension.