Thurman to Leave Coaching Job
March 2, 2009
WEATHERFORD, Okla. - Southwestern Oklahoma State University men's basketball coach Todd Thurman is about to begin the unusual process of finding a replacement for himself. Thurman announced his intentions to step down as men's basketball coach at season's end, but will remain on as the Weatherford school's director of athletics.
Thurman, 47, took over the dual role of men's basketball coach and athletic director last August. He arrived at SWOSU in 2006 after averaging nearly 19 wins during a seven-year run as head basketball coach at Wayland Baptist University. He has won 55 games in his three years at SWOSU including leading the Bulldogs to three consecutive berths in the LSC Postseason Tournament.
This season Thurman coached the Bulldogs to a 17-10 regular-season record and challenged for the LSC North Division title until the season's final day. Thurman said the physical and mental tolls of working both coach and AD roles was getting increasingly tougher and tougher. He believes that he will have a greater impact on the future success of SWOSU's athletic programs by having his undivided focus on the A.D. position.
"It's hard to admit, but it's probably what needs to be done," Thurman said. "I just decided it's time for me to tackle the A.D. job full time.... even if means giving up something I've loved (coaching). I am eager to move SWOSU and its athletic programs forward. This transition will allow us to accelerate our progress in that area even more."
Thurman said he has been encouraged about the interest that his vacated coaching post has generated even though his announcement did not become official until Monday.
"People are starting to take notice, not just about SWOSU basketball, but our entire athletic program and the direction we're taking it," Thurman said. "I think it is an attractive job that I have no doubt will draw a number of well-qualified applicants."
Thurman said that current assistant Wayne Anderson will assume the interim head coaching duties and maintain the players mandated academic progress checks as well as begin the initial contacts for recruiting.
In the meantime, Thurman will oversee the selection of a new basketball coach and continue to plow head first into a number of other important projects critical to the development of SWOSU's athletic future.
"We have a number of new athletic-related projects that are just entering the planning stages. Much work needs to be done but once they are completed, SWOSU will be a showpiece for our athletic teams and future recruits as well as a source of pride for all our alumni and community."