NORMAN — Pete Hughes opened the season amid rumors of riding the hot seat as Oklahoma's baseball coach.
Yet with Hughes leading the Sooners into the NCAA Tournament, his seat seemed secure, with extension talks even likely — until Monday, when Hughes resigned after four years at the school.
OU's reluctance to commit long-term to Hughes, who was entering the final year of his contract, might have provided the impetus for the move.
Hughes did not respond to a request for comment.
In a statement issued by the school, OU athletic director Joe Castiglione said:
“We appreciate the dedicated service Pete gave to our baseball program.