FIRST ON 3: UNCW offers Citadel coach head basketball job

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WILMINGTON, NC — UNC Wilmington has offered The Citadel basketball coach Ed Conroy its head coaching position, according to a source close to the situation reports the Charleston Post and Courier. Conroy, who just completed his fourth season at his alma mater, has declined to comment on the UNC Wilmington position.

When reached by phone this morning, UNCW Athletics spokesman Joe Browning told WWAY, “That’s news to me. We don’t have anything to announce.”

UNC Wilmington, a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, is seeking a replacement for former coach Benny Moss, who was fired in mid-season with a record of 41-74 in four seasons.

The Seahawks finished last season with a 9-22 record, 5-13 in the CAA.

Conroy, 41, has a record of 49-76 in four seasons at The Citadel, including a 20-13 record in 2008-09 and a 16-16 mark last season.

The 20-13 season marked just the second 20-win season in school history, and included the Bulldogs’ first postseason bid, in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament.

The Bulldogs’ 36 wins in the last two seasons are the most in a two-year period in school history.

UNC Wilmington also has reportedly interviewed Vince Taylor, an assistant coach at Minnesota and a former Duke player. UNC Wilmington reportedly will pay its new coach between $225,000 and $250,000 per year. Conroy earns a base salary of $175,000 at The Citadel after receiving a raise last year.

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/mar/31/unc-wilmington-offers-conroy-job/