Tigers stunned as Purnell departs

CLEMSON — Less than two weeks ago, Oliver Purnell said at his season wrapup news conference he did not anticipate any staff changes, but he added: Never say never.

Tuesday afternoon, Clemson athletics director Terry Don Phillips promised to immediately begin a national search to replace Purnell and maintain the gains the program made in his seven seasons.

Seven hundred miles to the northwest, Purnell was introduced as DePaul's new basketball coach, receiving a significant raise of $15 million over seven years. He gave little explanation for his decision to defect to a program that has won one regular season Big East conference game the past two years. Purnell said he enjoyed turning programs around, pledging to make DePaul "Chicago's team."

The decision sent shockwaves across Clemson and college basketball.

"This happened so quickly, my head is still not clear," said Phillips, who learned of Purnell's decision at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. "I just got through telling the team, I'm in a little bit of shock as well. But as time passes by, I'll get a little better grasp on why Oliver made the decision."

Purnell compiled a 138-90 record at Clemson, leading the program to three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. Clemson assistant Ron Bradley was named interim coach with a chance to interview for the permanent position.

Phillips referred to Purnell's work as "a foundation" for the next coach to work upon.

As for Clemson's next coach, Phillips is working on it.

"We've probably got a relatively short list," Phillips said. "There is tremendous interest in the position. I'm working on it as we speak."

Phillips did not confirm or deny the short list includes Butler coach Brad Stevens, saying it never hurts to place a phone call. After leading the No. 5-seeded Bulldogs to Monday's NCAA title game, Stevens figures to be one of the most sought-after coaching commodities in the country.

Also being speculated as a possible candidate is former Clemson assistant Shaka Smart, who is coming off his first season at Virginia Commonwealth, going 22-8.

Both Smart and Stevens are young coaches, fitting the profile of Phillips' last two significant hires - football coach Dabo Swinney and women's basketball coach Itoro Umoh.

Phillips said an official counterproposal was never made to Purnell, who was making $1.3 million annually at Clemson and had six years remaining on his contract.

Phillips preferred to not speculate on whether dollars were a motive behind Purnell's decision.

"I don't want to dwell on compensation issues, (they are) always at the forefront," Phillips said. "Look at our record with compensation, it's been very fair."

Purnell began negotiating with DePaul officials Friday, telling Phillips of his decision early Tuesday morning.

"Oliver just said 'I'm accepting the job,'" Phillips said. "It was a short conversation. He didn't elaborate on his decision. He enjoys building programs."

Some of the Tigers learned of Purnell's decision around the same time period, while others awoke to text messages Tuesday.

Clemson players said they were "shocked." Purnell did not meet or communicate with the team prior to or after his decision.

"I talked to him for 15 minutes on Friday," point guard Demontez Stitt said, "everything seemed like it was alright. We were talking about next season."

Bradley went into immediate damage control with Clemson recruits, including prized signee Marcus Thornton.

The players met with Bradley at 7:30 a.m. and practiced Tuesday. The players said they doubted there would defections among their ranks.

Said point guard Andre Young: "Life goes on."