By Eric Stock
NORMAL – The sudden departure of Chad Dollar from Dan Muller’s basketball coaching staff at Illinois State came as a surprise to the Redbirds.
ISU Athletics Director Larry Lyons told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin he doesn’t fault Dollar for taking a higher profile job at Auburn, but he said Auburn didn’t follow protocol.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott’s interview with Lyons on WJBC.
“It’s kind of an unwritten rule in college athletics that you call and ask permission to talk to someone or at least let them know that an inquiry might be made,” Lyons said. “That didn’t happen and that’s frustrating.”
Dollar was announced as a new hire at ISU nine days before he joined Auburn’s staff.
“Odds are if there’s an interest, he is going to take it. but at least follow the rules a little bit there,” Lyons said. “Of course you’re not going to say no because it’s still about what’s right for that guy.”
Muller issued a statement after Dollar’s departure.
“The timing of Chad’s decision may seem bad, but he cannot control when opportunities come. While there is never a good time for an assistant to make a move, I am happy for Chad to get this opportunity for himself and his family. I wish him nothing but the best.”
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
