Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Michael Cooper has resigned from his post
as head women's basketball coach for the USC Women of Troy.
The former Los Angeles Lakers great spent four seasons as head coach of the
team and went 72-57 during his tenure. However, USC finished 11-20 overall
this season and 7-11 in the Pac-12.
"USC women's basketball has a storied heritage, with national championship
teams and some of the best players in the history of the sport," said
athletics director Pat Haden, who thanked Cooper for his service. "We believe
we should be competing for Pac-12 championships and NCAA bids on a consistent
basis. We will conduct a search to find the right person to help us do that."
Prior to joining USC, Cooper was the head coach of the WNBA's Los Angeles
Sparks.
"This program has to move forward, and it should have moved forward under my
leadership. The best thing is for me to step down," Cooper said. "I really
want to thank the administration here at USC. Pat Haden and [senior
women's administrator] Donna Heinel and everyone have been very supportive.
Coaching these young women at USC has been a wonderful experience for
me. I wish nothing but the best for USC and the women's basketball program."
The Sports Network