Flint Gets the Nod to Return as Coach Daniel J. Fitzgibbons CHRONICLE STAFF March 24, 2000 When the Minutemen were ousted from the National Invitation Tournament by Siena last week, many observers wondered if the loss also signaled an end to James "Bruiser" Flint's tenure as head coach. But campus officials ended the speculation last weekend, announcing that Flint, who has two years remaining on his contract, will continue leading the team. "Bruiser, Chancellor David Scott and I met today to conclude our evaluation of the season and talk about the direction of the program," said athletic director Bob Marcum in a statement issued March 19. "It was a very positive meeting, and I think we all left feeling very excited about our prospects for the 2000-2001 season." "I had a very good meeting with Bob and the chancellor," said Flint. "We talked about the expectation level of our program, and what I expect for next season. I think we have a great nucleus coming back and some very good recruits. I really believe we have an excellent chance of competing for the Atlantic 10 championship and going to the NCAA Tournament next year." Since being named coach, Flint has compiled a 71-56 record along with two trips to the NCAA Tournament and an NIT bid. This past season, the Minutemen posted a 17-15 record and finished 9-7 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The team's hopes for an NCAA berth were crushed when they were eliminated from the A-10 tournament by Temple University. Flint and his squad received some consolation from their NIT bid, but a 66-65 loss to Siena on March 16 ended the season. The team's performance and declining attendance at home games sparked questions about Flint's job security nearly all season. However, Scott said last week that several points were considered in assessing the program's future. "There are many factors that go into deciding what is a successful program," he said in a statement. "All of these issues have been discussed and reviewed. The basketball program at UMass projects a positive image, and that is a tribute to Coach Flint, his players and his staff. His players are graduating and performing well academically, and we are seeing progress on the basketball court as well. We have high hopes and great expectations for this program, and I am pleased to have Coach Flint leading the charge."