Williams’ Request Sparks Rumors Longtime North Idaho Coach Says He’ll Retire, But School President Keeps Door Open On Return

There is a retirement ceremony planned for North Idaho College men’s basketball coach Rolly Williams for Saturday’s home game with Utah Valley.

It might be premature, though Williams insists otherwise.

Rumors surfaced on Wednesday that Williams’ retirement, which he announced prior to this his 35th season at NIC, may not quite be a done deal.

The issue apparently was raised when Williams asked NIC President Bob Bennett late last week to “put in writing the conditions of my employment if I were to come back next year, what they would be,” Williams said. “That’s all it amounts to. I don’t think it’s unreasonable for me to have something in my hand if, for no other reason, future reference.

“I think people are searching for something that’s not there.”

Asked if he was requesting if he could return next season, Williams said, “No, no. I just want to have something in writing. I just want to know where I stand.”

“He’s never said he specifically wants to be back, but he’s never said specifically he wants to retire,” Bennett said. “I will share with him what I think his options are, and then he will make a decision.”

Williams maintained late Wednesday that he intends to retire. NIC closes the regular season with home games tonight vs. Salt Lake and Saturday night vs. Utah Valley.

“Under the circumstances, it’s probably best for me to get on with my life,” said Williams, 57.

Yet, neither Williams nor Bennett completely closed the door on Williams’ returning, depending on the written job description.

“They might offer me a hundred grand,” Williams wisecracked.

The matter was discussed at NIC’s Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday night in executive session, which is closed to the public.

“I think we were trying to get a fair understanding of what would be appropriate for Rolly if he were to stay. We’ll be as up front as possible with him,” said Bennett, who declined to answer when asked if he wanted Williams to return as coach. “I hope he’ll be up front with me.”

A meeting of Williams, Bennett and athletic director Jim Headley is scheduled for this morning.

“I just don’t know what’s going to happen,” Bennett said.

It is no secret that Bennett and Williams have locked horns on several occasions in recent years and their relationship soured further when Williams was forced to resign as athletic director in June, 1994. At the time, Williams’ resignation was unceremoniously announced via a fax released by NIC at 4:55 p.m. on a Friday. Williams declined to discuss that situation in detail.

Williams hasn’t submitted a letter of resignation, which is adding fuel to speculation he might return. But he said too much is being read into his not authoring a resignation letter.

“I don’t think it’s necessary at this point,” Williams said. “When I’m done with the season, I’ll submit my letter of resignation.”

He is scheduled to retire July 1.

, DataTimes