By Nick Veronica

Manhattan College announced Monday that coach Steve Masiello will be allowed to return to the team once he earns his college degree.

Masiello signed a contract to become the head coach at South Florida in late March, but the deal fell through when USF uncovered that Masiello never officially graduated from Kentucky, as his bio indicated. The deal would’ve been worth at least $6.06 million over five years.

According to Manhattan’s press release, Masiello took part in graduation at Kentucky but didn’t complete necessary summer courses to finish his degree requirements. Masiello majored in communication.

“Mr. Masiello executed poor judgment but did not intentionally misrepresent himself in applying to the College,” Manhattan president Brennan O’Donnell said in the release. “After participating in graduation ceremonies at the University of Kentucky, he enrolled in summer courses with the intention of completing his degree, but never followed through to make sure that the degree was awarded.”

Masiello will remain on unpaid leave and associate head coach Matt Grady will become the interim head coach. Manhattan won the 2014 MAAC championship and also advanced to the championship game in 2013.

“I made a mistake that could have cost me my job at an institution I love,” Masiello said in the release. “Details matter. Manhattan College has shown me a great deal of compassion and trust during this process, and I will do everything in my power to uphold that trust. I understand that I am very fortunate to have the chance to remain here at Manhattan.”