SBVC starts new search for men's coach

San Bernardino Valley College is looking for its fourth men’s basketball coach in as many years. The school started advertising the position Jan. 24th so Gerry Wright’s days are winding down.

Wright took over a program in turmoil in December of 2006 and led it to a Foothill Conference title, winning coach of the year honors in the process. The Wolverines started slowly this season but are still in the hunt for a playoff berth currently sitting third.

The sticking point is that the position is full-time based out of the physical education department which requires a master’s degree in that area. Wright, a legendary player in his high school days at San Gorgonio, has a master's degree but it is in education. His experience teaching physical education at all levels is not enough.

“I feel bad because I really care about these kids,” he said.  “But I feel like I have done my job. They’re all going to graduate and they have become better players

SBVC athletic director Dave Rubio is frustrated about starting from scratch but thankful for the job Wright did. The closing date for the job is Feb. 28.

“It is frustrating because you want stability,” he said. “You want people in the community to know who you’re coach is. But that’s the criteria and he (Wright) does not quite meet it, although he did do a great job.”