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Houston head coach James Dickey steps down

James Dickey

Houston James Dickey calls out a play during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against UTEP, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, in Houston. Houston won 79-61. (AP Photo/Bob Levey)

AP

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The University of Houston announced on Monday afternoon that head coach James Dickey is stepping down due to private family matters.

Dickey spent four seasons at Houston and owned a 64-62 record at the school while holding a career mark of 217-196. The Cougars only made one postseason trip during Dickey’s tenure as they advanced to the CBI quarterfinals last season.

“This has been a difficult decision to make. I continually preach to my players about being an everyday guy, and the balance of your personal and professional life is a major part of it. With that being said, I have a family matter that requires my time and energy, and I will regretfully step down from my current position at the University of Houston,” Dickey said in the release. “I am extremely appreciative of Mack Rhoades for the opportunity and for the value he brings professionally and personally. I cannot thank my coaching staff and our players enough for the experience and memorable moments over the past four years. The system of support set forth by our Athletic Department staff is world class, and I’m appreciative of every member of the Houston Athletics family. I would like to thank the Houston fans for their support through the years and greatly encourage them to continue their support of the program in the future.”

Houston Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Mack Rhoades also commented on Dickey’s decision to step down.

“I am extremely grateful for Coach Dickey’s contributions to our basketball program and our Athletics Department, both on and off the court, and his decision to step down comes with great heartache for all involved,” Rhoades said. “Coach Dickey is not only a great person and coach but a great mentor for all of our student-athletes and entire staff. He made so many of us in our department better. No one has worked harder than Coach Dickey, and he leaves the Houston Men’s Basketball program in a much better place. He will be missed greatly by the entire Houston family, and we wish him and his family the very best.”

The Cougars finished 17-16 this season in the inaugural year in the American Athletic Conference. Houston defeated SMU in the quarterfinals of the AAC Conference Tournament before falling to eventual champion Louisville to end its season.

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