ARLINGTON, Texas — Steve Masiello will get a second chance at Manhattan.
Masiello, who had been on leave from The Bronx school since March 26, following the revelation that he had not graduated from the University of Kentucky, as was listed on his résumé, will be placed on unpaid leave until he receives his degree, but will then be allowed to return for his fourth season with the Jaspers.
During Masiello’s absence, associate head coach Matt Grady will serve as the interim head coach.
“After an extensive review of the situation and extenuating circumstances, we determined that Mr. Masiello executed poor judgment but did not intentionally misrepresent himself in applying to the College,” Brennan O’Donnell, president of Manhattan College said in a statement. “After participating in graduation ceremonies at the University of Kentucky, he enrolled in summer courses with the intention of completing his degree, but never followed through to make sure that the degree was awarded.
“Our policy was always that the coach must have at least a four-year undergraduate degree. We are confident that Mr. Masiello will be able to complete his degree this summer and return soon thereafter to resume his duties.”
According to multiple sources familiar with the situation, Manhattan officials had been split on whether to retain Masiello, with some administrators empathizing with his situation, while others believed the presentation of inaccurate information was the only element to be considered. Multiple sources said he is approximately 10 credits short of an undergraduate degree, involving two online classes and an independent study course.
Masiello played as a walk-on at Kentucky from 1996-2000, and worked as an assistant at Manhattan from 2001-05, before spending six seasons as an assistant at Louisville.
“While we do not condone Mr. Masiello’s mistake, we believe it was a genuine one and that he deserves a path to reinstatement,” O’Donnell wrote in a message to the school.
Masiello’s agreement of a five-year deal with South Florida, worth more than $1 million per season, only complicated the problem, coming less than a week after the 36-year-old led Manhattan to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in a decade and a near-upset of Louisville. South Florida withdrew its offer after learning of the discrepancy on his résumé, only hours after a deal was struck.
Masiello has two years left on his original contract with Manhattan, though it is unclear if the teams were restructured. A call to Masiello was not returned.
“I am extremely grateful and humbled by the opportunity to continue as the head men’s basketball coach at Manhattan College,” Masiello said in the statement. “I made a mistake that could have cost me my job at an institution I love. Details matter. Manhattan College has shown me a great deal of compassion and trust during this process, and I will do everything in my power to uphold that trust.
“I understand that I am very fortunate to have the chance to remain here at Manhattan.”