Grier Says No Thanks to Oregon State Job

"I have decided to stay at USD because I strongly feel in my heart that this is what is best for me and my family right now," said head coach Bill Grier.

USD men's basketball coach Bill Grier announced yesterday that he has decided that he is staying at the University of San Diego. Photo courtesy: University of San Diego

SAN DIEGO - USD men's basketball coach Bill Grier announced yesterday that he has decided that he is staying at the University of San Diego.

Currently in San Antonio, Texas for the upcoming NCAA Final Four, Grier had been contacted by and had previous discussions with Oregon State University officials regarding their vacant head coaching position.

"I have decided to stay at USD because I strongly feel in my heart that this is what is best for me and my family right now," said head coach Bill Grier. "USD is a great place and I look forward to working with our staff and players to continue building on what we have started here."

In his first season Grier led the Toreros to an overall mark of 22-14. USD won 14 of its final 16 games, including winning the West Coast Conference Tournament title, and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Toreros knocked off 4th seed and 15th-ranked Connecticut in the 1st round before getting knocked out by a very good Western Kentucky club. The 22 wins were second most in school history, and USD's three wins over top-20 ranked teams (Saint Mary's, Gonzaga and UConn) bettered the previous program mark of two.

"We are extremely excited that Bill and his family are staying with our team at USD," stated Ky Snyder, Executive Director of Athletics. "We look forward to him and his staff continuing their successful ways with this team and program."

This past season's club, which did not have any seniors on the squad, will be led in 2008-09 by the return of Gyno Pomare, Brandon Johnson, De'Jon Jackson, Rob Jones and Trumaine Johnson.

Source: University of San Diego Athletics

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