MU confirms Earleywine will stay on as softball coach

Mizzou confirms Ehren Earleywine will stay on as the softball coach of the Tigers. This comes a week after MU officials confirmed Earleywine did not violate Title IX.

Mizzou softball coach Ehren Earleywine released this statement Friday:

“Naturally, I’m relieved to have this process done, and I deeply regret the attention this has brought to our program and University. I do understand that the University was obligated to review the allegations. As I’ve said previously, I fully recognize that I need to improve in certain areas, and I am committed to working on those areas moving forward. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to continue to coach this program, and I’ve said a thousand times, I love this place with all my heart and look forward to being the coach here for many years to come. The support our program receives means so much, andI am grateful for our fans. Hopefully, we can now refocus on maintaining the great softball tradition we have built here and put this in the past.”

Former Interim Athletics Director Sarah Reesman also released a statement Friday:

“We have an opportunity moving forward to build on the rich competitive success of the Mizzou softball program. I look forward to working together with Coach Earleywine to provide a great total experience for our student-athletes.”

Senior Associate Athletic Director Tim Hickman released a statement as well:

“We have had productive conversations with Coach Earleywine and he understands our expectations moving forward. While the process was a lengthy one, we know it was thorough and fair, and we’re now at a place of resolution. I am pleased to work together toward the continued success of our softball program under coach Earleywine.”

Earleywine’s job came into question this past May when it became public that former athletic director Mack Rhoades started an investigation into Earleywine’s behavior. Rhoades said the investigation stemmed from player complaints.

On May 8th, Earleywine said, “If I survive, then it will be my best coaching job to date.”

Earleywine has survived, and he will now coach his 11th season with Mizzou this upcoming year. In his 10 seasons with the Tigers, Earleywine has a 453-154 record, which includes three trips to the Women’s College World Series.