Dude, a AD shouldn't be required to give a statement to say coach stays or goes at end of every season, just because a bunch of bed wetters think so.
Normally i would agree but it depends on the situation. The talk is out there, players are wondering, recruits are wondering. If nothing is said now it could hurt us worse. You cant wait until after the bowl game. Firing a coach after the bowl game would be a catastrophe. With all the angst out there it really leaves no choice but to make a statement now.