Reports are surfacing left and right that DePaul athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto has already decided to retain the services of mens basketball coach Jerry Wainwright until the end of next season at least.

Wainwright’s contract extends through 2012, but after the Demons latest loss to UConn put DePaul even further into the Big East basement (0-8 in conference), many fans are already second guessing Ponsetto’s decision.

The fourth year coach currently has a 51-61 record at DePaul, and is yet to take the Demons to the Big Dance. DePaul’s only Big East Tournament appearance under Waiwright came in 2007, when the Demons were bounced in the first round by Villanova. Wainwright experienced the pinnacle of his success at DePaul that same season by reaching the quarterfinals of the NIT tournament, and finishing with a 20-14 record. All-in-all however, not an impressive resume.

“I feel comfortable saying DePaul plans to retain Jerry because he’s doing all the things we’ve asked him to do, which is build the program,” Ponsetto told the Chicago Tribune earlier in the week.

The fact that Wainwright has managed to keep his players and bosses happy despite a miserable season speaks to his character. That, combine with the fact that the powers that be at DePaul believe bringing in a new coach would restart the rebuilding process, has resulted in Wainwright’s job security. Yet, if Wainwright were to duplicate DePaul’s losing ways next season, I seriously doubt he will live out the remaining two years on his contract.

Much of Wainwright’s success next season will depend on whether or not sophomore Dar Tucker returns for his junior season. 

The bright side; all 16 teams in the conference make the Big East tournament this season, so Wainwright can add another tournament appearance to his resume.