A&M AD Woodward backs Kennedy after early SEC Tournament exit

Texas A&M Athletic Director Scott Woodward on Thursday said basketball coach Billy Kennedy had his full support and labeled a question of whether Kennedy’s job is in jeopardy as “silly.”

Speaking moments after A&M’s 71-70 loss to Alabama in the Southeastern Conference basketball tournament at Scottrade Center, Woodward was asked if next week’s showing in the NCAA Tournament could affect Kennedy’s job security.

"I’m not even going to entertain that question,” Woodward said. “It’s silly.”

Woodward said he continues to evaluate Kennedy — as he does with all A&M coaches — and acknowledged that a faction of A&M fans is unhappy with the direction of the basketball program.

Stephanie Aiple, TexAgs

Woodward declined to answer a question about Kennedy's job status, instead citing the program's success and high RPI.

“We’re divided every time we lose,” Woodward said. “We’re in great shape to make a great run in the (NCAA) Tournament. I’m excited about it and I’m ready to go. We’ll see we are after the Tournament.”

A&M (20-12) is thought to be safely in the NCAA Tournament field of 68 despite the loss to Alabama. That would be only the second NCAA appearance in Kennedy’s seven years at A&M, but also the second in three years. Kennedy guided A&M into the Sweet Sixteen in 2016.

Woodward said that he is constantly evaluating all of his coaches.

“If there is ever a change, you’ll know from me first,” Woodward said.

Woodward pointed out that A&M’s Rating Percentage Index ranking is among the best in the nation.

“We’re sitting here with a 20 RPI that most of the Division I schools would be very proud and happy of,” Woodward said. “We’ve had a tough season. A lot of injuries. A lot of discipline problems. But we’re going to get it right and hopefully make a great run in the Tournament.”

The Aggies lost guard Duane Wilson to a torn ACL in mid-February. Junior guard Admon Gilder has also missed some games and continues to play with a knee injury.

Kennedy had to dismiss JJ Caldwell from the team for repeated violations of university policy. Caldwell had long been expected to fill a void at point guard, but he struggled to earn playing time and never seemed to find his way at A&M. Starting forwards Robert Williams and DJ Hogg each served three-game suspensions, and Admon Gilder, TJ Starks, and Jay Jay Chandler briefly sat out for disciplinary reasons.