Purdue: We want Matt to remain a Boilermaker
On Tuesday morning, amidst the possibility of its men's basketball coach, Matt Painter, leaving for the University of Missouri, Purdue's athletic department issued a statement.
"Just want to reiterate that Matt Painter is our men's basketball coach," Purdue assistant athletics director Tom Schott said of the school's behalf, "and we want him to continue his leadership of the program.
"Last night, the Board of Trustees, President (France) Córdova and Morgan Burke clearly demonstrated Purdue University's commitment to him and our men's basketball program. We were proactive and though we will not go into details at this time, we have encouraged Matt to stay through our words and action.
"We want Matt to remain a Boilermaker."
No specifics were provided.
Painter is in Florida, where he's vacationed in Orlando with his family since Friday.
Missouri officials will meet with him there this morning, it's been confirmed. It's believed a contract offer could be presented at that time.
Painter, Purdue's coach the past six seasons, has not responded to a text message sent Monday morning seeking comment.
The 40-year-old has been Missouri's primary - if not only - target thus far in its search for Mike Anderson's replacement at the helm of the Tiger program. Anderson took the Arkansas job.
The Big Ten Coach-of-the-Year three of the past four seasons, Painter holds a career record of 138-64 at Purdue, his alma mater.