The University of Memphis Athletic Department announced the departure of head men's soccer coach Richie Grant on Tuesday. Grant completed his 15th season at the U of M last November, leading the Tigers to a 9-8-1 record overall and 3-5 in the American Athletic Conference play.
Grant leaves Memphis to take the helm at California State University, Bakersfield, according to CSUB Athletic Director Jeff Konya.
Memphis Athletic Director Tom Bowen thanked Grant, who recorded a 135-116-22 record while at the U of M, for his service to the University.
"I want to thank Richie for his years of service to the University of Memphis and our athletic program," Bowen said in a press release. "I speak for the entire coaching and administrative staff in wishing he and his family much success."
The Ireland native compiled more wins than any previous coach during his time at Memphis, and Conference USA named him their coach of the year in 2000 and 2004.
Grant's best season came during the 2004 campaign. The C-USA Coach of the Year led the Tigers to a 16-4-1 record, C-USA Championship and NCAA Tournament bid. The 2004 season also saw the team win more games than in any season in the history of the program.
Grant said the decision to move to California felt right but he enjoyed his time in Memphis.
"On behalf of Jodi (wife) and I, I would like to thank both the University of Memphis and the athletic department for the wonderful experience we've enjoyed over the past 15 years," Grant said.
The Tigers earned a spot in the AAC Conference Tournament last fall, but they fell in the first round to Central Florida.
The team returns 20 players next season, graduating just seven. However, the Tigers lose their three leading scorers: Mark Sherrod, Shane Keely and Liam Collins. Sherrod and Collins also totaled the first and second most assists, respectively.
Sherrod became the fourth player in program history to be drafted in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft. The Houston Dynamo selected Sherrod in the second round.
Grant will take over a CSUB program that has been on the decline the past two seasons. They won 12 games in 2011 compared to just nine the past two seasons.
The Roadrunners' administration believes Grant is the right man for the job.
"We are thrilled to have attracted such a quality coach to lead our men's soccer program here in Bakersfield," Konya said. "Richie brings an impressive résumé from an established, winning program in a major conference, so we know he is the right person to help continue the success of our men's soccer program make a mark on the national level."
Grant shares Konya's excitement.
"I am happy to begin a new chapter of Roadrunners men's soccer," Grant said. "When you make a move like this it has to feel right, and this does."
The U of M plans to start a national search for the next soccer coach over the next few days.
