TigerSportsDigest.com, Randy Rosetta
New LSU Softball Coach Accepts Offer, Resigns 3 Days Later
June 13, 2011 /
Add another layer to the rivalry between LSU and Alabama.
In an abrupt change of heart, Patrick Murphy changed his mind Sunday and forced Tiger athletic director Joe Alleva to reopen the search for a new softball coach.
Murphy accepted the job late last week and was introduced Friday, accepting a contract reportedly in the $300,000 per-year range.
But his ties to Alabama, which he has taken to national prominence, were apparently too strong.
In a tersely worded press release, Alleva made it clear he’s not happy with Murphy’s sudden about-face.
“I am very disappointed in Patrick’s decision after he had committed to be our head coach,” Alleva said in the LSU-issued release. “I am especially disappointed for the young women on our team to whom he gave every indication he was in this for the long haul. We will use this opportunity to find a coach who will be the right leader for our student-athletes, who will wear the purple and gold with pride and will lead the softball program with integrity.”
