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University of Maryland men's basketball head coach Mark Turgeon is stepping down, effective immediately.
Assistant Coach Danny Manning will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
The decision was a "mutual" one.
University of Maryland Athletics Director Damon Evans said the following:
"After a series of conversations with Coach Turgeon, we agreed that a coaching change was the best move for Coach Turgeon and for the Maryland men's basketball program. He has dedicated over a decade of his life to the University of Maryland, and has coached with distinction and honor. He leaves College Park as the 2020 Big Ten Conference champion and with more than 225 victories. He's a great coach and a great person, and I wish Mark, his wife, Ann, and his entire family all the best in the next chapter of their lives."
Turgeon released the following statement:
"After several in-depth conversations with Damon, I have decided that the best thing for Maryland basketball, myself and my family is to step down, effective immediately, as the head coach of Maryland basketball. I have always preached that Maryland basketball is bigger than any one individual. My departure will enable a new voice to guide the team moving forward. It has truly been an honor to be the men's basketball coach at the University of Maryland."
The Terps plan to seek a new full-time head coach this upcoming offseason. Although they have won at least 23 games in five of the last seven seasons, the team hasn't made it past the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament with Turgeon as head coach. The team is currently 5-3 after losing to Virginia Tech on Wednesday.
Source: WBAL