Manhattan College announced Monday it will reinstate Steve Masiello as its men’s head basketball coach, once he has completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky.
The head coach at Manhattan since 2011, Masiello was placed on unpaid leave March 26 and will remain there until he receives his degree. During his absence, associate head coach Matt Grady will lead the program as interim head coach.
The fact that he had not received his degree from Kentucky came to light in a credentials check by the University of South Florida, with whom Masiello had agreed to accept employment as head basketball coach.
“After an extensive review of the situation and extenuating circumstances, we determined that Mr. Masiello executed poor judgment but did not intentionally misrepresent himself in applying to the College,” said Brennan O’Donnell, president of Manhattan College. “After participating in graduation ceremonies at the University of Kentucky, he enrolled in summer courses with the intention of completing his degree, but never followed through to make sure that the degree was awarded. We appreciate the counsel of all involved in assessing this complex situation. Our policy was always that the coach must have at least a four-year undergraduate degree. We are confident that Mr. Masiello will be able to complete his degree this summer and return soon thereafter to resume his duties.”
“I am extremely grateful and humbled by the opportunity to continue as the head men’s basketball coach at Manhattan College,” Masiello said. “I made a mistake that could have cost me my job at an institution I love. Details matter. Manhattan College has shown me a great deal of compassion and trust during this process, and I will do everything in my power to uphold that trust. I understand that I am very fortunate to have the chance to remain here at Manhattan.”
