CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will conduct a national search for its next men's head basketball coach after
Steve Lutz stepped down Saturday to pursue another opportunity.
"I would like to thank the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi community and family for the commitment, support and resources these past two years. From day one, Dr. Kelly Miller and Jon Palumbo shared my belief that the school has what is necessary to be a successful program and compete for championships on an annual basis. I am extremely proud that collectively, along with my student-athletes and staff, we made that a reality. We were able to accomplish all that we did, only because of the continued commitment and support the University's leadership has for the program," Lutz said. "My family and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to work for such a great University. We will forever be Islanders."
Lutz compiled a 47-23 record at A&M-Corpus Christi and won three conference championships in two seasons. It included the 2022-23 regular season crown and back-to-back SLC Tournament titles and consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Last week, the Islanders won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game in school history with a 75-71 victory over Southeast Missouri State in the First Four.
Lutz was named both the 2022-2023 SLC Coach of the Year and NABC District 22 Coach of the Year. He was also tabbed a finalist for the Skip Prosser Man of the Year award, presented to those who not only achieve success on the court but who display moral integrity off of it as well.
"In 2017, during my investiture speech, A&M-Corpus Christi set a goal to become a mid-major breakthrough. We are very grateful to Coach Lutz, as well as former director of athletics Jon Palumbo, for everything they have done to help us achieve that goal. But let me be clear – our continued success in growing prominence as a mid-major breakthrough will not end with their departure – in fact, it has only just begun. I am certain our men's basketball program, as well as our many other outstanding athletic programs, will continue to garner national attention," said President Dr. Kelly M. Miller. "If you think the ride has been exciting so far, you haven't seen anything yet. Shakas up!"
Led by vice president of intercollegiate athletics Adrian Rodriguez, the search for the next head men's basketball coach is already underway.
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