A Wake Forest University spokesman has confirmed the purpose of athletic director Ron Wellman's meetings with the media today is to reaffirm the university's support for embattled head coach Jeff Bzdelik.
Blogger So Dear learned last night Wellman had scheduled a series of one-on-one interviews with individual members of the media, but it was unclear whether the meetings would specifically address Bzdelik's job status.
Bzdelik has been a lightning rod since his predecessor, Dino Gaudio, was removed from his post at Wake Forest following the 2010 NCAA Tournament. Wellman has never wavered in his support for Bzdelik, despite three straight losing seasons in Winston-Salem in which the Deacons have won 1 road conference game and no games in the ACC Tournament.
The 2012-13 campaign was not without its highlights, as the Deacons posted home upsets over nationally-ranked N.C. State and Miami. The Deacons will return freshman sensations Devin Thomas and Codi Miller-McIntyre next season, and will welcome what some analysts believe is another solid recruiting class.
Though Bzdelik's retention should not be a surprise to most Wake Forest fans, message boards have been alive with rumors of a multi-year extension. Wake Forest, as a private institution, does not have to disclose such details.