Coaching Carousel: Jason Capel Out at Appalachian State

Multiple sources have reported that Jason Capel will not return as the head coach of Appalachian State to guide them into the Sun Belt Conference next season.

The move has been referred to as a non-renewal, and a firing, but it is hard to be fired when your contract is expired.

Athletic Director Charlie Cobb thanked Capel in a statement posted to the Appalachian State website:

"As we enter the Sun Belt Conference next season, we have decided to do so with new leadership for our men's basketball program," Cobb said. "I sincerely thank Coach Capel for his effort and dedication to Appalachian State over the last five years. He is a first-class person and has a bright professional future ahead of him. I wish him and his family nothing but the best."

Capel went 53-70 overall at Appalachian State and was 32-38 in the Southern Conference, and the Mountaineers never reached any postseason tournament.

The departing coach was involved in a highly publicized story during the fall when it was reported that the school would not release Devonte Graham from a letter of intent he had signed with the school. The school responded by firing back at the media, and letting the NCAA know that they were unhappy with the perceived tampering by other coaches with their recruit. It is likely that Graham will never attend Appalachian State based on followups with his AAU coach by other outlets.

The school will begin its search for another coach immediately.