Northern New Mexico College men’s basketball coach and athletic director Ryan Cordova has been placed on leave by the college, as their basketball season starts.
Interim college president Bárbara Medina confirmed a Santa Fe New Mexican report in a phone call that Cordova was on paid administrative leave, but did not say when the leave started or offer a reason why. She referred further comment to Vice President for Finance and Administration Vince Lithgow, who did not comment on the matter.
Medina said she is taking on the role of interim athletic director. She said she is not receiving payment for the position. Medina said she has coached high school sports but does not otherwise have a background in athletics.
Northern Regent Ruben Archuleta said he was never given a reason for Cordova’s leave.
As of Tuesday, Cordova was still listed on the college’s website as athletic director and men’s basketball coach. Jesus Aragon is currently listed as the associate head coach.
Cordova declined to comment.
Northern men’s basketball defeated the pro-am Flavios team, and starts a regular season this weekend, with a game on Friday against Bethel College.