Salem Stampede Seek New Head Coach

Salem Stampede

(SALEM) - Just days before their first game, the Salem Stampede of the IBL are looking for a new head coach.

Stampede spokesman Brent Merrill says that Bruce "Bubba" Jones was relieved of his coaching duties on Sunday.

Merrill says the club thanked Jones for getting them where they are today, but the organization wanted to move in a different direction.

The 48-year-old Jones was hired by the Stampede in December, after being an assistant coach with the IBL`s Portland Chinooks last season.

Joe Bacerra, the Stampede`s director of basketball operations and associate head coach, will assume coaching duties for now.

Merrill says a new head coach should be announced by the end of the week.

The Stampede`s first game is an exhibition game against the Seattle Mountaineers at Woodburn High School on Saturday.

Tip-off is set for 7:15 PM.

The club`s first home game at the Salem Armory Auditorium is March 31st against the Central Oregon Hotshots.

For more information on the Stampede, including player profile, the teams schedule, and ticket information, visit the club`s Web site at www.salemstampede.com