CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas and head men’s basketball coach Russ Pennell have agreed to part ways effective immediately, according to Dr. Brad Teague, UCA’s director of athletics.

Pennell, in his sixth season at UCA, has been on a leave of absence for personal reasons since Dec. 16. Teague said Tuesday that Pennell will not return as the Bears head coach. Associate Head Coach Anthony Boone, who has been in charge of the program since mid-December and been a part of the coaching staff since 2014, will continue as the interim head coach the remainder of the 2019-20 season.