Kent will remain Oregon’s coach

EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon coach Ernie Kent, coming off a disappointing overall season but a strong finish in the Pac-10 tournament, will keep his job as head coach of the Ducks, athletic director Bill Moos said late Tuesday.

“No one is more disappointed with the outcome of this season than Ernie. He genuinely hurts for his players, coaches and the fans,” Moos said in a statement. “I do feel, however, that he continues to possess the energy and passion that are necessary to regain the unprecedented success that Oregon has enjoyed during his tenure as head coach.”

Kent and Moos met Monday and Tuesday to evaluate the season amid speculation that Kent’s future with the Ducks was in jeopardy.

Kent has led Oregon to three NCAA tournament berths, a Pac-10 Conference title and a Pac-10 tournament title. But the Ducks have had two straight losing seasons.

Oregon was 15-18 and finished seventh in the Pacific-10, but the Ducks wrapped up with a run in the conference tournament that ended with a 91-87 semifinal loss to California.