Cal State Northridge coach Gottfried, staff on leave over potential rule violations

Cal State Northridge head coach Mark Gottfried and his staff were placed on paid administrative leave after the school learned about potential rule violations, athletic director Michael Izzi announced Thursday.

The school will complete an internal review of the men's basketball program.

"CSUN is committed to ensuring full compliance with all university and NCAA regulations while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and institutional responsibility," Izzi said in a statement.

Prior to joining the Matadors, Gottfried was the head man at North Carolina State, where he was wrapped up in an investigation into the impermissible payment of student-athletes by then-assistant Orlando Early.

Court filings indicated Gottfried was the first head coach federal prosecutors directly linked to payments, according to ESPN.

Hired in 2018 while the investigation was still ongoing, Gottfried has led Cal State Northridge to a 37-51 record with no postseason appearances.