Metcalf Loses Coaching Job at Texas A

Texas A&M;’s Shelby Metcalf, winningest coach in Southwest Conference basketball history, was reassigned within the athletic department Monday.

Metcalf’s assistant, John Thornton, became interim coach.

“I’m shocked. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing,” Metcalf said. “I gave half my life to this place. It was a way of life for us. It wasn’t a job.”

Metcalf, 59, who coached at Texas A&M; for 27 years, met with his attorney Head Davis, then had a closed-door session with Athletic Director John David Crow.

Metcalf left the meeting and Thornton worked with the team at practice, preparing for Wednesday night’s game against Rice.

Metcalf had one year remaining on a four-year contract. The school did not say what he would do in his reassignment.

The Aggies are 9-10 and 2-3 in the conference. Metcalf’s record is 438-306 and 239-158.