Richard Barron To Leave University Of Maine Men’s Basketball Team

ORONO, ME — Richard Barron is stepping down as head coach of the University of Maine's boys basketball team, the college athletic department said in a statement.

Barron spent four seasons as coach, compiling a 21-75 overall record and 12-41 record in America East conference play, according to the university.

Prior to taking over the men's program, Barron posted a record of 85-89 as head coach of the UMaine women's program. While leading the women's program, Barron was named America East Coach of the Year in 2015.

The statement released Thursday said the University of Maine and Barron "mutually agreed to part ways."

"After many conversations with Coach Barron regarding the direction of our men's basketball program, we have agreed that a new voice is needed to lead the team," Director of Athletics Ken Ralph said in the statement. "Although a change in leadership is always a difficult situation, we agree that this decision is in the best interest of our student-athletes."

Ralph went on to thank Barron for his "passion and energy" and thanked him for his time spent at University of Maine.

In his statement, Barron said he is leaving the university with "a tremendous amount of gratitude and regret."

"The gratitude is for the wonderful relationships with players, coaches, and so many members of the University community," Barron said. "The regret is that I was not successful in turning around the men's program. I agree with Ken that a new voice is needed and I will always cheer for my successor and all the young men in the program with great loyalty."

This year’s team was 5-20 overall and 2-12 in conference play after Wednesday night’s 76-65 loss at Hartford, the Bangor Daily News reported. Barron did not attend Wednesday's game.

Assistant coach Jai Steadman has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the 2021-22 season.