It is a 2 way agreement between the school and the recruit binding each to each other. In basketball once a player verbals other coaches usually respect the kid's choice and move on. With the small numbers of kids on scholly and the fear of reprisal there is not much poaching that goes on once a solid verbal is given. Quite opposite of football where a verbal is a general lean till signing day and coaches don't quit recruiting a kid till he signs. 

Quick Guide to the NLI

Full Disclosure.....I HAVE NEVER WORKED IN COMPLIANCE ....(nor have I stayed in a Holiday Inn recently) but have retained the verbiage from the NLI. It is pretty specific as to coaching changes. That may answer your question. If not I am sure our friend that has worked in compliance will come and correct me. 

I understand I have signed this NLI with the institution and not for a particular sport or coach. If a coach leaves the institution or the sports program (e.g., not retained, resigns), I remain bound by the provisions of this NLI. I understand it is not uncommon for a coach to leave his or her coaching position.

 

Yawn

 

to be honest about the ONLY time I have heard it happen is when a new coach comes in and a kid is let go (though the majority of those happen at Power conference schools) or a scholarship is not honored for discipline problems or ongoing academic adventures. I have RARELY heard of a kid who was let go to make room for another in a stable program. That is so rare that when Indiana started doing it opposing schools made a new verb and labelled it "creaning" a player. Those actions do not fall under the pervue of the NLI because they happen after the initial 2 semesters. The NLI *would/should* apply if the coach (old or new) had another late commit  and decided they wanted to let you go before you arrive on campus. They would be bound to have you attend for at least 2 semesters. In most cases of injuries I have seen the NLI in place took care of the athlete and he began school with a guaranteed scholly. 

I see it a lot more in track and field, baseball and Olympic sports.....my brother being one of those let go to make room for another incoming track/cross country star. It is something I have always paid attention to since he was relieved of his ride. 

SOooooo. Let me get this straight......A kid reads through the entire NLI and looks at the accmpanying financial aid package that the school is committing to and understands it. He locks that school into a scholarship for 2 semesters and they lock him into coming school for 2 semesters after a long courtship where he has visited campus(es) courtesy of the institution (s) The NLI is binding only for that first year. Transfers past that follow a different set of rules. He has decided he loves the campus and academics and chooses that place over every other school he visits. He has done his due diligence and asked the coach what his future looks like.  He reads that coaching changes are a part of the deal and chooses to sign the document along with the handlers/parents/guardians. The school has entertained him and academics, coachng staff and even in our case, Dr McDavis has taken time to meet with him.  Folks  are saying the kid should automatically be granted a release without meeting the new coach....irregardless of everything else that transpired? 

In most cases it is a moot point and he is granted a release anyway. I am not sure why this is getting so much traction and folks are not looking at anything past the coach who recruited him leaving. I have seen many recruits who are in the middle of this....zach hahn and Matt Howard come to mind when Lickliter left. I asked both of them sitting there in the New Castle Arena what they were going to do....they both said "well, we will meet with the new staff and see what they say, we love Butler but will cross any other bridges once we see who the new coach is..." That is the usual situation I have seen. Moist parents, advisors and AAU coaches know reopening can easily happen but also know the recruiting process is a big picture thing. 

No one has to sign the letter. There are some really good players who schools would hold ships for because they are that good. In reality, once a kid signs he is relieved that is over and the coaches breathe a sigh of relief and move on to the next needs. 

After reading and rereading the NLI and Finance agreement several times over I do not see what the big hoo ha is all about. Wait a couple of days see what pops with the new coach and if you still are putting basketball and coaches ahead of the school and the program then look for a place to land. If you are that much in demand in the first place don't sign it. See who you can rely on to keep your ship open while you wait for other offers or feel confident that the staff will keep your spot.