UMD's Gary Williams announces retirement

HEAD COACH GARY WILLIAMS ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT

Press conference scheduled for Friday, May 6 at 1 p.m. in Comcast Center

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - After a legendary head coaching career spanning 33 years, including 22 years at the University of Maryland, his alma mater, Gary Williams has announced his retirement as head men's basketball coach.

Williams will join Maryland Athletic Director Kevin Anderson and University President Wallace D. Loh at a press conference on Friday, May 6 at 1 p.m. in Comcast Center. The public is encouraged to attend.

"It's the right time," Williams said. "My entire career has been an unbelievable blessing. I am fiercely proud of the program we have built here. I couldn't have asked any more from my players, my assistant coaches, the great Maryland fans and this great university. Together, we did something very special here."

A member of the University of Maryland Alumni Hall of Fame, University of Maryland Sports Hall of Fame, Greater Washington Sports Hall of Champions, and the Baltimore Sports Legends Museum Hall of Legends, Williams is the 5th winningest active coach in the country, and 3rd in the Atlantic Coast Conference behind only Dean Smith and Mike Krzyzewski. In his 33 years as a head coach, he amassed an overall record of 668-380 (.637) and 461-252 (.646) at Maryland.

His career is nothing short of extraordinary: Fourteen NCAA tournament appearances, three ACC regular season titles, ACC tournament championships, seven Sweet Sixteens, two Elite Eights, two Final Fours and a National Championship in 2002. Williams was the National Coach of the Year in 2002, and the ACC Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2010.

"Gary Williams is a legend," Anderson said. "His accomplishments on the court have earned him a place among the elite in college basketball history. But Gary's legacy here at Maryland goes far beyond basketball. From his philanthropic efforts to his tireless work with fans and alumni to his impact with our students, Gary has left an indelible mark of excellence on this university."

Since 2004, Williams has served as the scholarship co-chair for Great Expectations, Maryland's $1 billion fundraising campaign. His efforts on behalf of Maryland students have helped raise over $240 million for scholarships at the University of Maryland.

Williams will stay on with Maryland as Assistant Athletic Director and Special Assistant to Kevin Anderson, where he will continue to serve as scholarship campaign co-chair, work with the Terrapin Club to fundraise for athletics, and serve as an ambassador for the University.

"I am delighted that Coach Williams will remain a part of the Maryland community," said Loh. "His work on behalf of the Great Expectations campaign has provided support for thousands of Maryland students. He embodies the spirit of Terrapins everywhere."


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He started about the time I attended the University.. Oh and I'm completely positive this isn't really his idea. Stinks of the way they forced Friedgen out...:cry:

A great coach for sure.