UTSA Basketball Coach Austin Claunch Suspended After DWI Arrest

UTSA men’s basketball coach Austin Claunch was suspended by the university on Wednesday following an arrest in Nueces County on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

The suspension comes at a volatile moment for the Roadrunners, arriving just days before the team opens its regular-season schedule on Monday with a road game against San Jose State. Athletics director Lisa Campos announced the disciplinary action in a statement, noting that the university is actively reviewing the circumstances to determine appropriate next steps, including the exact length of the suspension.

“The university is reviewing the circumstances and will determine appropriate next steps, including the length of his suspension,” Campos said. “UTSA Athletics holds its coaches, staff, and student-athletes to high standards of conduct and accountability. We take this matter seriously and will address it in accordance with university policies and procedures.”

Program Leadership Shifts to Nick Bowman

With the season opener rapidly approaching, assistant coach Nick Bowman will step in as acting head coach during Claunch’s absence. The sudden leadership change follows a difficult 2025-26 campaign for the program.

Before the suspension was announced just after 6 p.m. Wednesday, Claunch had led the Roadrunners through a noon practice in San Antonio and spoken with local media members around 2:30 p.m. Hours later, the university sidelined him.

In a statement released following the announcement, Claunch addressed the arrest directly:

“I made a grave error in judgment, and I deeply regret my actions and the disappointment I have caused. I sincerely apologize to the young men I have the privilege of coaching, my fellow coaches and colleagues, President (Taylor) 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.”

A Challenging Tenure in San Antonio

Claunch took over the UTSA program in 2024 after serving as an assistant coach at Alabama under Nate Oats. His collegiate head coaching career began at Nicholls (2018-23) before joining Oats’ staff in 2023.

Thus far, his tenure in San Antonio has proven challenging on the court. The Roadrunners compiled a 17-44 overall record across his first two seasons at the helm, including a difficult 5-25 overall finish and a 1-17 mark in American play during the 2025-26 season.

Now, Bowman and the remaining staff must steady the roster in San Jose with the season opener just days away, while university officials weigh the long-term future of the basketball program’s leadership.