Exit by Valvano Leaves Wolfpack in Confusion

Jim Valvano’s departure as coach leaves North Carolina State with the twofold task of finding a new athletic director and rebuilding its men’s basketball program.

“This is a very critical and difficult time for us,” said William Burns Jr., co-vice chairman of the N.C. State Board of Trustees. “But I think the university is strong enough. I don’t see any problem getting good people to fill these positions.

“I would hope that the new coach would be a man of high principle, one who believes in working with young men and encouraging their development and at the same time winning some games.”

Supporters and officials at N.C. State echoed the optimism Valvano displayed Saturday after he agreed to leave and not sue the school in exchange for $238,000. Valvano also stands to be paid $375,000 by the university’s booster club, one of Valvano’s attorneys said.

Valvano had been under pressure to resign since reports in February that former players accepted cash and shaved points. Valvano never was implicated.

Much of the rebuilding process, some say, has been left in the hands of Charlie Bryant, executive secretary of the Wolfpack Club.