Barron To Serve In New Role At UMaine

UMaine Women's Basketball coach Richard Barron will assume a new role with the athletic department at the school, according to a release on Friday morning.

Director of Athletics Karlton Creech announced via a press release that Barron will serve as a Special Assistant to the Director of Athletics starting on December 1st and running until July 30th, 2018.

“We are grateful that Richard is able to return to work in an administrative capacity at this time,” said Creech via a released statement. “Richard has many talents that will be able to support our community engagement efforts over the next few months to help grow the Alfond Fund and spread the positive message of UMaine Athletics.”

The University will pay Barron in the position a salary of $53,000 for the seven months, which was the available portion of the salary for the women's head coach position remaining for the 2017-18 season.  He will assist the athletic department in public events and fundraising as part of his new role, and stated in the release that he is unsure about his future plans after his time as Special Assistant comes to an end.

Barron helped guide the women's basketball team to two America East regular season titles and three postseason appearances since the 2011-12 season.  He took an indefinite medical leave of absence following the start of America East play in early 2017 and never returned back to the program.  In the Spring, Amy Vachon was officially announced as the interim Head Coach of the program.  The Black Bears are 4-3 on the season and will play Ohio State on Sunday afternoon.