Lobos taking more time to select coach

So much for that new hire. University of New Mexico officials made it clear Friday the search for the next head men’s basketball coach is not coming to an end, contrary to a report Thursday.

Frank Mercogliano, the school’s assistant athletic director for communications, tweeted several updates throughout Friday, emphasizing that UNM did not have any news conferences planned in the near future.

Those were in response to the feeding frenzy that occurred after CBS affiliate KRQE-TV reported late Thursday that San Antonio Spurs assistant coach James Borrego would be named head coach Saturday, replacing Craig Neal after he was fired March 31.

On Friday morning, Mercogliano wrote on Twitter that he talked with UNM athletic director Paul Krebs and he confirmed that no hire was imminent.

“I talked again with Paul this morning,” Mercogliano wrote. “No coach hired, no press conference scheduled.”

He added updates throughout the day informing Twitter users nothing had changed regarding the school’s search for a head coach. A source close to the search indicated Friday a hire was not forthcoming for “at least a couple of days.”

Neal was dismissed after four years and a 76-52 record.

His initial year brought a 27-7 record and a third straight Mountain West Conference Tournament title, but after three years, he had a 49-45 record.

While UNM athletic director Paul Krebs said myriad reasons led to Neal’s firing, he acknowledged that the departure of four scholarship players had a role in the school’s decision.