Denver men’s basketball head coach Jeff Wulbrun was placed on leave for the rest of the 2024-25 basketball season. He will be replaced by assistant coach Shammond Williams. 

The announcement was made by Vice-Chancellor for Athletics Josh Berlo on Feb. 21. No reason for Wulbrun’s leave has been disclosed. 

As of the announcement, Denver was 10-19 overall and 4-10 in the Summit League, with two games left in the regular season before the Summit League Tournament. 

Wulbrun’s last game was a 71-60 win against Oral Roberts. 

“There isn’t a coach in the country that is more optimistic and excited about their team than I am right now,” said Wulbrun after the game. He was placed on leave two days later. 

Williams, who has been on the Denver coaching staff since July, 2024, played for Dean Smith at North Carolina from 1994 to 1998. He was then drafted to the NBA, where he enjoyed a 16-year playing career with nine seasons in the NBA and stints in Europe. 

Williams’ first two games in charge saw Denver losing 64-56 at Kansas City and then winning at home on senior day against South Dakota State 78-62. After the game, he spoke about the seniors. 

“I’m just happy for them. All the other things, you can deal with as adults, but for those young men, this will be with them for the rest of their lives,” said Williams. 

Denver will travel to South Dakota for the conference playoffs, where their quarterfinal game will be against No. 2 St. Thomas on March 6.