Oakland University will be looking for a new women's basketball coach.
Hours after OU President Gary Russi announced his retirement, his wife, Golden Grizzlies coach Beckie Francis, acknowledged that she will also be leaving the school effective August 1.
"Looking forward to next phase of life," she tweeted. "Gary & I have talked about retiring for a while now-it's time for both of us. Wish Oakland the best."
Francis took over the team in 1997 and coached five seasons, leading the program to its first NCAA tournament berth in 2001-02. After missing the next three years because of health problems, she returned in 2005-06 and lead the Grizzlies right back to the Big Dance. She took the team to two WNIT berths in the next three seasons, and went 20-12 as recently in 2010-11.
In the past two seasons, the rebuilding program struggled, going a combined 20-37. She finishes her OU career with a 227-152 record, including 117-65 in Summit League play. The program, under a new coach, moves into the Horizon League this fall.
Before last season, Francis revealed in an Associated Press story that she had been sexually abused by her father from the time she was four until her early teenage years. She said Wednesday on Twitter that she will continue her work as an advocate for fellow sufferers.
"The work I have been doing over last year to bring awareness to issue of sexual assault is a very personal passion; I will keep advocating," she said.
While Francis implied that the decision had been her own, a statement from the athletic department said that she had been relieved of her duties.
Athletic Director Tracy Huth was quoted in the statement as simply saying "we wish Coach Francis the best in her future endeavors." When contacted, Huth declined further comment, citing university policy on personal decisions.
Associate head coach Jeff Tungate will serve as the interim head coach.
