University of Montana women’s basketball coach Brian Holsinger has been placed on administrative leave, Skyline Sports confirmed on Wednesday night.
The UM athletic department confirmed Thursday morning that Holsinger had stepped away from the team. Its statement read:
“Brian Holsinger, head women’s basketball coach, is taking personal time off. In the interim, associate head coach Nate Harris will direct the program.”
Kyle Hansen of KPAX & MTN first reported the news.
Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to Skyline Sports on Wednesday afternoon that Holsinger, Montana’s fourth-year women’s basketball coach, had been put on administrative leave. According to multiple sources, the leave stems from an internal altercation that remains under investigation from the university.
The Lady Griz have struggled mightily over the last six weeks, losing eight of their last nine games. UM started 1-3 in Big Sky Conference play, including getting swept on the road last weekend at Northern Arizona (65-46) and at Northern Colorado (57-49). Montana is 5-10 overall.
Holsinger led Montana to its first 20-win season since longtime head coach Robin Selvig retired in 2016. Last year’s Lady Griz won 23 games, including their first victory at the Big Sky Tournament for the first time since 2018. UM finished third in the league standings and won a game in the WNIT by beating Boise State before bowing out in the second round against North Dakota State.
Holsinger has an overall record of 61-47, including 36-24 in Big Sky Conference games.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
