Fresno City men’s basketball coach Ed Madec under investigation, out as coach

Ed Madec appears to be out as the Fresno City basketball coach.

Certainly for the time being, and maybe permanently.

Prior to coaching what might have been his final game with the Rams on Wednesday, Madec randomly gave a passionate speech to the crowd about his integrity and stated: “It’s been one hell of a ride.”

By Thursday morning, Fresno City College President Carole Goldsmith confirmed Madec was placed on paid administrative leave pending completion of an investigation into possible violations of California Community College Athletic Association regulations.

This is Madec’s 14th season during what’s been an unprecedented stretch of Rams success with Fresno City having won 85% of its games (397-70) under his watch, according to Woody Wilk, a retired Fresno City College Sports Publicist.

The Rams also captured two state championships – in 2007 and 2012 – and advanced to the state tournament eight times overall during Madec’s tenure.

“You sent your children to me, and they know how much integrity I have and what kind of program I run,” Madec said during his speech. “ These are my children here. Anybody’s child that came through my program is my child, and anybody who played for me knows that.”

Messages left with Madec on Thursday were not returned.

Goldsmith said interim co-athletic director Paul Keysaw will serve as acting coach for the remainder of the season. Keysaw is also the Rams wrestling coach.

Goldsmith added that the college would not comment any further until the investigation is complete.

Fresno City (23-4 overall, 13-0 in Central Valley Conference play) is ranked third in the state.

The Rams have one more regular-season game remaining — 5 p.m. Saturday against Merced — before entering the postseason.

“I just want to say thank you to the people that have been loyal to me and my program all these years,” Madec said toward the end of his speech Wednesday. “It’s been one hell of a ride.”

This story was originally published February 20, 2020 at 10:11 PM.