For the first time in 19 years, the Bobcats will have a new coach at the helm after Director of Athletics Jim Schaus announced the termination of coach Greg Werner Wednesday.
Werner led the Bobcats to 11 Mid-American Conference Championships during his 18 years with the program, but told The Post he was told by Schaus that he wasn’t needed anymore.
“I was disappointed,” Werner said. “I really wanted to retire here at Ohio University, but that’s life. You can’t determine what happens next.”
Derick Roe, who was entering his second year as an assistant coach for the Bobcats, was announced as the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2013-14 season. Werner was scheduled to earn a salary of $77,320, while Roe is set to be paid $41,820.
Werner said he currently has no future career plans in mind and will focus on time with his family the next few days. He has a wife and two kids at home.
“Derick is a great coach,” Werner said. “He made a huge impact this last year and it was great to work and learn from him. The team gravitates to him and he’ll do a great job.”
Roe would not comment on the situation, other than saying that this week was “very tough” for the team, which he coached to victory against Ball State last weekend after Werner missed the meet for what Roe called “personal reasons.”
Werner said the personal reasons stemmed from an evaluation by Schaus during the week before the Oct. 26 meet, but would not comment on the terms of the evaluation.
Schaus was not made available to speak with The Post and Tom Symonds, the assistant athletic director for media relations, said Ohio Athletics would make no further comment on the matter.
“I love Ohio University,” Werner said. “I’m very fortunate for working on this stellar swimming and diving program. I’ve been coaching since 1995 and Ohio will always have a warm spot in my heart.”
Werner compiled a 220-113-3 record in dual meets and coached seven MAC swimmers of the year during his tenure, including five from the 1998 to 2002 seasons.
“(The team) was the highlight that drew me to coaching,” Werner said. “These were a fabulous group of ladies that I coached these past 18 years.”
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