Dave Rose said it was time — time to leave coaching and Brigham Young University.
Rose announced his retirement Tuesday after meeting with his BYU players. He told reporters at a press conference in Provo, Utah, how he came to his decision to step down after 14 seasons in charge of the program.
From the Salt Lake Tribune:
"It is my coaching soul that has put me here today," he said, choking back tears several times but also never hinting that he may have been forced out. "I always tell everybody — you can't trick how you feel. You can pretend, you can ignore it, but you know inside how you feel. And my coaching soul said it was time, time to be done."
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The Tribune reported that Rose met with athletic director Tom Holmoe and university administrators last week to discuss a possible buyout of the remaining two years on his contract. BYU finished 19-13 this season — Rose's only season with fewer than 20 wins, according to the Tribune — and did not reach the NCAA Tournament.
Rose leaves after compiling a 348-135 record and a school-record .720 winning percentage with BYU. His Cougars made the NCAA Tournament eight times, most notably in 2011 when they reached the Sweet 16, led by Jimmer Fredette.
The NCAA in November vacated 47 of those wins as part of sanctions for violations involving guard Nick Emery. The university is appealing the sanctions.
Rose assistant Quincy Lewis has been named interim coach. Holmoe will conduct a search for Rose's full-time replacement. The Tribune listed three potential candidates: Utah Valley coach (and former BYU assistant) Mark Pope, Dixie State coach Jon Judkins and Portland State coach Barret Peery.
