According to a report this morning by Jeff Goodman, Central Arkansas had parted ways with head basketball coach Russ Pennell. We are now hearing conflicting reports, and it now appears that Pennell will be taking an indefinite leave of absence, but is still technically employed by the college.

In his 5+ seasons at UCA, Pennell has gone 50-117 (.299), including a 1-9 record this season (with their only victory over a non-D1). Pennell also spent four years as the head coach at Grand Canyon (72-44 – .621), and one season as the interim head coach at Arizona (21-14 – .600).

Pennell played at Central Arkansas (1982-84), and had worked as an assistant at Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, and Arizona.

I have now heard from multiple sources that associate head coach Anthony Boone has been tabbed as the interim head coach.

More on this one when UCA makes an official announcement.