Tim Jankovich makes statement on retirement from coaching
SMU head coach Tim Jankovich announced his retirement from coaching on Tuesday, the school said in a release. Jankovich wrapped up the final year of his contract this season, going 24-9, but missing the NCAA Tournament.
The Mustangs postseason NIT run and perfect home record this season ended in a 75-63 loss to Washington State on Sunday.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to have coached at SMU for the past ten years,” Tim Jankovich said in a statement. “I am grateful to Dr. Turner and Rick Hart or their support and leadership. I am also grateful to all the outstanding players, coaches, managers and support staff I have had the opportunity to work with along the way.
“Basketball has been at the center of my life since the 8th grade, including 39 years in college coaching. I have loved and cherished every minute of it. But with those incredible memories has come tremendous sacrifice. I find myself at a stage in life where I no longer can in good conscience make the necessary sacrifices that this position demands. I feel a strong pull to spend more time with the people whom I have unfortunately neglected the most over the years – my dad, my family and my friends. This is why I have decided to step down and retire from my position as head basketball coach. We have loved our time here at SMU and will cherish our memories forever.”
Rick Hart thanks Tim Jankovich
Now, SMU athletic director Rick Hart will conduct a national search to replace Jankovich. Hart thanked Jankovich for his leadership with the program, which included a AAC regular season and conference tournament championship in 2016-17.
“I am grateful to Tim for his loyal service to SMU. He elevated Mustang basketball on and off the court during his time on the Hilltop. Tim led our program with class, integrity and a commitment to our institutional values. He and his staff are tremendous coaches and have earned my admiration and respect,” Hart said in a statement. “On behalf of SMU, I want to thank them and their families for their years of service to our University.”
Tim Jankovich went 125-64 (.661) over six seasons, recording the second-highest winning percentage in SMU history, with eight wins coming over AP top-20 ranked teams. His teams went 86-18 (.827) at Moody Coliseum, marking the highest home winning percentage in program history.
While he was an assistant, the Mustangs won The American regular season and AAC Tournament titles and played in the NCAA Tournament in 2015. SMU also reached the NIT in 2014.
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