After an "editing error," ESPN published an article claiming that Whitford was hired to replace former Duquesne head coach Jim Ferry.
Whitford posted a 52-71 record in his four seasons at the helm. In the last two seasons Whitford led Ball State to 42-27 record and two Mid-American Conference West Division titles.
He also recruited redshirt sophomore Tayler Persons after Persons decided to transfer from Northern Kentucky University. After sitting out a season becuase of NCAA rules, Persons averaged 15.5 points and 5.0 assists per game as the starting point guard in Whitford's second 20-win season.
When the original ESPN story ran, Persons was quick to his keyboard.
Fake news!
— Tayler Persons (@TaylerPersons8) March 23, 2017
There are, however, reports that Whitford is interviewing for the Duquesne job, but The Daily News has not been able to independently confirm. Duquesne, a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, posted a 27-39 record in the last two seasons and graduates only one player this season.
According to the Star Press Ball State employee salary database, Whitford is earning $286,083 in the 2016-17 academic year. According to a 2012 ESPN article, Ferry's base salary at Duquesne was $600,000 per year.
Duquesne has not hired Ball State's James Whitford, per multiple sources. Two sides are meeting tonight, but nothing is done.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 24, 2017
Whitford's contract runs through the 2020-21 season after he signed an extension last summer.
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