Ex-Lobo coach named AD at Eastern

PORTALES - Former University of New Mexico basketball coach Paul Weir on Thursday was named athletic director at Eastern New Mexico University.

"This great state of New Mexico has given me a personal and professional life one can only dream of. For the past 14 years, I have had the pleasure of serving at two incredible state institutions and I am humbled by being provided the opportunity at a third," Weir said in a news release.

"To be able to segue into a key leadership position at the third-largest four-year university in New Mexico could not have come at a more perfect time and place in my life."

A press conference to formally introduce Weir has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Ballroom of the Campus Union Building at ENMU.

Contract terms were not immediately disclosed.

Weir, 42, has had nearly 20 years of NCAA men's basketball coaching experience, ENMU reported in its release.

"Weir possesses the proven ability to lead through his success as the first head coach in history to coach at both New Mexico State University (NMSU) and UNM. In addition to his coaching background, Weir comes to ENMU with a substantial academic career as he holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership Administration and a master's in business administration both from NMSU, as well as master's degrees from Northwestern State University and the University of Iowa. He is currently an adjunct faculty member for UNM's Anderson School of Management."

Weir was among four finalists for the job made vacant when Matt Billings resigned in May after 17 months of almost no athletic competitions because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other finalists were Nate Davis, associate athletic director at Pittsburg State, Brock Wismiller, senior associate athletic director at Upper Iowa University, and Tony Hoops, athletic director at Bethel College.

Weir, fired at UNM after this past season, coached the Lobos for four years, compiling a 58-63 record.

He was 28-6 in his lone season as head coach at New Mexico State. He had two winning seasons at UNM and the Lobos finished third in the Mountain West Conference in 2017-2018. They were 11th in the conference last year, 6-16 overall and 2-15 in conference play.

His most recent coaching experience was with the Canadian national team that finished third this month in the International Basketball Federation U19 World Cup. The United States beat France in the championship game, after beating Canada in the semifinals.

"The loss to the United States was difficult," said Weir, who grew up in Toronto. "It was a goal for us to beat them and win the gold medal. But the way our team responded was terrific. We're very proud to come home with our second ever medal in Canada history."

ENMU President Patrice Caldwell said Weir's "wide knowledge of New Mexico, athletics, operations, fundraising and community partnerships," will be key assets for the Portales university.

"His educational background also makes him uniquely able to inform strategic planning efforts for Athletics and for the University."

Weir will be joined at ENMU by his wife, Alma, and their two sons, Theodore (6) and Noah (3).