The University of New Mexico will be looking for a new head coach for its women’s basketball program, as newly appointed Athletic Director Ryan Berryman made one of his first decisions as AD in parting ways with ten-year women’s basketball Head Coach Mike Bradbury.
Bradbury and Berryman had met previously to discuss the future of the women’s basketball program and a contract extension, which Berryman was unwilling to grant due to the program not meeting necessary expectations, leading to a buyout of his existing contract, according to a statement put out by Berryman.
Bradbury’s contract called for a $350,000 buyout if terminated without cause.
With the separation, Bradbury and the University agreed on a settlement that saw a $150,000 buyout and a continuation of his coaching staff on salary into April, according to the Albuquerque Journal.
Bradbury had been at the helm of the UNM women’s team for 10 years and had just reached a career milestone with the Lobos this year by winning 200 games. Bradbury went 202-112 and 114-64 in Mountain West action since 2016-2017 and won a Mountain West Regular-Season Title in 2021.
Bradbury had been unable to capitalize on his record when it came to taking the Lobos far in the postseason as he went 3-10 in the Mountain West Tournament and was unable to take UNM to the NCAA Tournament.
The Lobos finished fourth this season in Mountain West action and had a record of 22-10 (14-5 in conference play) but came up short in the conference tournament, once again losing in the quarterfinals for the seventh time under Bradbury.
“I’d like to thank the University of New Mexico for the last 10 years. I am proud of the program we built and the consistency we have had to compete at the top of the conference. This was the journey of a lifetime, but the time has come for something new,” Bradbury said, in a statement released by the University.
With the departure of Bradbury, a national search begins for the next head coach of the Lobo women’s basketball program.
Wyatt S. Padilla is a beat reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @wyattspadilla
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