Ford whispered for Hanners to try running 21 defense really sagging off defenders, even inside the 3-point line. "I'm extremely saddened by the passing of Coach Guthridge, aka 'Coach Gut,' especially coming so close to the loss of Coach Smith," Jamison, who was national player of the year during Guthridge's first season as coach, said in a statement. when UNC named longtime assistant Bill Guthridge as his successor. ", Roy: "I think that not only did he coach me on the freshman team he was another mentor. But against the Utes, the Tar Heels fell behind quickly and were never able to catch up. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. North Carolina made 29 NCAA tournament appearances in Guthridge's 33 years on the staff and finished no worse than third in the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season standings every year -- with 16 first-place finishes and 10 more in second. Dean Smiths hourglass, it seemed, had an endless amount of sand. Then Guthridges voice wavered as he began to apologize I feel like its my fault. No, I couldnt even consider that, Smith said. "If he told me to run through that wall to make me better, I'd hit that wall," former North Carolina player and well-traveled college coach Buzz Peterson told The Associated Press. "Needless to say I'm tired of having meetings like this." But he decided he did not have the energy to continue coaching, the AP reported. The ones he did have Coach Guthridge tried to fill. After that loss, Carter and Jamison turned pro. But if Williams had declined the opportunity, as he initially did a year prior? After Dean Smith retired, Bill Guthridge took over for three years and at some point, we can't remember exactly which year, Boswell struck. Of course, Smith did retire. Ironically, both coaches developed dementia along the way (Coach Smith died in January 2015 of complications from dementia). Of course, its not like UNC had a bad season in Guthridges first year. Its one game, Jamison says. I really believe thats exactly what happened.. The protege was named Naismith College Coach of the Year in his first season as Smith's replacement. He was even more important to me. Maybe Phil Ford wouldve been the head coach then, Ndiaye says. Bill Guthridge, who made his college basketball reputation as Dean Smith's trusted right-hand man then took Carolina to two Final Fours in three years as head coach after his mentor retired has died after a long illness. Bill Guthridge was consistently portrayed as a quiet gentleman. His legacy lives on in each of the players who were privileged to call him Coach and countless Tar Heels and people across the nation who admired him. That image of Guthridge is accurate but not complete. As things went, by the end of the 1999-2000 season which concluded with a surprise Final Four run, Guthridges second trip in three seasons Smiths right-hand man was finally ready to step away himself. Suggestion to Return DismissedWhen Guthridge retired after leading his third team to another Final Four, I interviewed Smith about the amazingly long and successful partnership the two coaches -- Smith a Kansas grad and Guthridge from Kansas State -- had enjoyed. The inconsistent season came on the heels of a first-round NCAA Tournament loss in 1999. When Coach Smith announced he was retiring and that Coach Guthridge was taking over, then it all clicked into place for me, Hanners says. (Updated at 2:22 p.m.) By Elizabeth A. Davis Associated Press Writer North Carolina coach Bill Guthridge retired Friday after three years as Dean Smith's successor, a move that opens one of the . Former UNC Coach Bill Guthridge passed away last night at age 77 w/ family at his side. Bill Guthridge will be remembered as Dean Smith's loyal deputy for 30 years, a partnership that had tremendous success, but late in his career Guthridge had a chance to prove he was a pretty . William Wallace Guthridge (July 27, 1937 May 12, 2015) was an American college basketball coach. The team performs dazzling spins and flips at campus events and even competes against other universities and jump rope clubs from around the country. And as the confetti fell on UNCs first title A.D. After Dean Guthridge burst into tears alongside his former players. That was probably six or seven years later where somebody else might recognize it. With Williams, it was the restoration of the family, three national championships and potentially many more years. I didnt really have to focus too much on a Plan B, Baddour says. Penn State was a good situation, he said in an interview in 2010. He led his first team to the 1998 Final Four and had two players, Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison, selected in the top five picks of the NBA draft. That's exactly what they did. Its another tremendous loss for our University, our basketball program and our entire community. But it really wasnt and we both knew it. I was just happy that the team had success. (Jed Jacobsohn / ALLSPORT via Getty), Theres a world where Ford got his chance to be UNCs head coach, and maybe still would be in that position. Theres no right answer, no certainty. He was named National Coach of the Year in 1997-98 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the Atlanta Tipoff Club (Naismith Award), CBS/Chevrolet, the Columbus (Ohio) Touchdown Club and The Sporting News. North Carolina made 10 trips to the Final Four and won two national championships during the time Smith and Guthridge spent together. He was 77. The death of Guthridges mother, Betty, 96, two days before the Tar Heels played Tennessee at Knoxville in the NCAA South Regional semifinals also contributed to a difficult season. It was an admirable, honorable action for Smith to take and Guthridge went on to win 80 games in three seasons. He will certainly be remembered for what he did as opposed to what else he might have done. Baddour says he never got that far down the line because of Guthridges interest. 17 Miami at Cameron Indoor stadium, Report: Sylvia Hatchell made racially insensitive remarks, forced players to compete while hurt, NC State makes NIT, AD Debbie Yow upset Wolfpack not invited to Big Dance, NC State extends Doeren's contract through 2023, UNC women continue on despite Hatchell's absence, Forty years later, the story of '83 never gets old for NC State, Interactive 2023 NCHSAA boys & girls basketball state playoff brackets, What 7 classes could look like in the NCHSAA if realignment amendment passes, Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks: The football team that never won, Raising money for cancer research, playing golf and being a grandparent: Roy Williams dons retirement hat in style, Top sports stories of 2022 from WRAL SportsFan - The Biggest Sports Stories of 2022, Complete HSOT all-state football team revealed, HSOT Watch List: Boys basketball players to look out for in the 2022-2023 season, North Carolina high school sports scoreboard, 'Going to get left behind': NC State, Duke, UNC hope transfer portal delivers for men's basketball teams, If the Los Angeles Lakers stumble to start 2022-23 season, Mike Krzyzewski is waiting in 'retirement', The Fan plays 'Dungeons & Dragons' for ACC realignment, Former NC State AD Lee Fowler on ACC's 2005 expansion: 'It was a crazy 24 hours'. An assistant to Dean Smith for 30 seasons, Guthridge replaced his former boss when Smith retired in 1997 after 36 years as coach of the Tar Heels. He is probably best remembered for his loyalty to Smith, who died in February at age 83. He was 77 years old. (Smith told me), Its just not coming back. But Guthridges request also made Hanners realize that plan might not come to fruition. We certainly had no idea; he was still the smartest guy, could recall everything he was seeing.. He said that although he was impressed with the athletic department personnel and basketball program, withdrawing his name was "in the best interest of myself and my family.". The complaints turned to praise after the teams unlikely Final Four appearance. However, Coach Guthridge served as the perfect replacement as head basketball coach when Coach Smith unexpectantly announced his retirement from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997. In his three seasons as head coach Guthridge led the Tar Heels to the NCAA final Four twice, in 1998 and again in 2000. But I already had a better job than that and I was happy here. It was the 14th time Guthridge participated in the Final Four. But there was no questioning the depth of their relationship. All rights reserved. Division regular season and conference tournament champion "Though he was a head coach for a short time, he gracefully carried on a culture and legacy that many thought could not be perpetuated.". Because I know Coach Smiths plan long-term, at least at that time, was to prepare the team for Phil to take over.. #RIP. "He was my coach, he was another mentor. He was a lifetime assistant coach for whom Dean did a solid. He was a kind soul with a strong, competitive spirit. Calhoun, elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005, is . College Basketball Coach. Just a really good man who made Carolina, the ACC and college basketball better.. On one occasion, he actually accepted the head coaching post at Penn State, but stepped down from the post a few days later.[3]. School officials stressed that Guthridge was not merely a placeholder for then-Kansas coach Roy Williams, signing him to a five-year contract. Like his lifelong friend and mentor, Coach Dean Smith, he led by example instilling values of kindness, discipline and a strong work ethic. Only different alternate realities. He would sneak into practices, hide way up in the rafters so as not to be seen. Dean Smith unexpectedly retired as head basketball coach at North Carolina just two months before the start of the 1997-98 season, and Guthridge was immediately named his successor. Hed have retired with a championship trophy, and then let someone else step right in, Ndiaye says. Why would you stay? "He was an unbelievable assistant to Coach Smith. North Carolina athletic director Dick Baddour has refused to comment directly on Guthridge's contract, saying the school's board of trustees discourages him from talking publicly about such personnel issues. Ndiaye even tried cracking the ice by joking that Guthridges years as head coach probably hadnt hurt his wallet. Bill Guthridge was a gentleman coach, but a fierce competitor, and an incredibly loyal member of Dean Smiths staff for three decades, said UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham. Williams famously turned him down, opting to remain at Kansas, where hed built a Carolina-esque family dynamic (at Smiths alma mater, to boot). Hed been given a five-year contract when he took over for Smith, because the administration feared recruits would stop coming if they thought Guthridge could retire at any moment. The university made a huge misstep when it hired former UNC player, Matt Doherty, a young, untested coach in the league of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and a 180-degreechange from the coaching styles of Coach Smith and Coach Guthridge, as its head basketball coach in 2000, when Coach Guthridge retired. Guthridge had ample opportunities to leave Chapel Hill and become the head coach of his own program. When his Tar Heels defeated Tulsa to earn a Final Four berth, the postgame locker room was one of the most emotional in the modern era, due at least partially to the devotion his players had for Guthridge and their joy in relievingat least for a momentthe criticism hed taken during the season. But the Tar Heels suffered a soul-crushing NCAA Tournament loss that also ended Phil Fords career. He said Friday he now knows how Smith felt in 1997 when he stepped down. Guthridge was the consensus National Coach of the Year in 1998. He would, however, have just lost his three best players at Kansas in Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz and Billy Thomas. That not-wanting-to-step-on-toes thing? He also was head golf coach for the Wildcats. Guthridge coached North Carolina to the Final Four in his first season before losing to Utah. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Carolina Jump Rope is making their fellow Tar Heel rethink what it means to jump rope. His legacy and contributions to my life and to our University will live on and hell be much more remembered for his sense of humor and class just as much as his coaching., It has been a trying time for the University of North Carolina basketball program over the past four months and our thoughts and prayers are with them again today after the passing of Bill Guthridge. We offer our deepest condolences to the Guthridge family as they grieve the loss of a wonderful husband and father.. A tremendously loyal person with an ego that was seemingly non-existent. And so even as the coachs hair changed from dark brown to gray to white, his position never did. Guthridge, who like Smith was a Kansas native, spent 30 years as an assistant coach and had ample opportunities to leave Chapel Hill and become the coach of his own program. He has a keen sense of which ones will be very good players and which ones may be overrated. Hed have been a lifer, Hanners says. From 1972 onward, he was Smith's top assistant. Guthridge went 80-28 from 1997 to 2000 before retiring in June 2000. Even 22 years after turning down the Nittany Lions, Guthridge still couldnt quite bear to leave. (LogOut/ The flip side of reality offers another interesting scenario: What if Guthridge had led that group to a win over Utah, and then over Kentucky in the championship game. 1 "The End of Absence" Michael Harris, Pt. Coach Guthridge is the best I have ever seen in selecting potential in high school players, Smith once said, according to the teams website. Guthridge did it all with a dry wit and style. After those brief flirtations with head coaching positions, Guthridge settled in as UNC's top assistant, right up until Dean Smith suddenly retired in October of 1997. Theyd had their disagreements, yes. I tell people that Coach Smith and Coach Guthridge are my light-skinned fathers, said Antawn Jamison, who was the National Player of the Year for the 1998 team that Guthridge guided to the Final Four. (LogOut/ Guthridge took over when Smith retired after 36 seasons in October 1997. North Carolina coach Bill Guthridge retired Friday after three years as Dean Smiths successor, a move that opens one of the most prestigious jobs in college sports. He wouldve been gone. At age 66 and in sound health, Smith easily could have coached another five or more seasons and done so with the same recruiting success that allowed him to turn over a team with Antawn Jamison, Vince Carter, Ed Cota and Shammond Williams to Guthridge. Prior to that, Guthridge served as Smith's assistant coach for 30 years. Thats impossible to know, but Williams was also returning a top-five team, one that was expected to compete for a championship in its own right. Its not fair, but thats just the way it is for assistant coaches, Smith said. Guthridge didnt need the change, just wanted to know if he had it. He held tight. While a student at Kansas State, Guthridge played guard under head coach Fred "Tex" Winter, and helped the team advance to the 1958 Final Four. He was 77 years old, Former UNC basketball coach Bill Guthridge passes away at age 77, UNC School of Social Work becomes new home for CEAL@UNC, expand work to advance assisted living. When did Bill Guthridge coach at UNC? Then he retired, too. At which point, Baddour faced as unenviable a position as any athletic director in the country: Who do you hire to fill Dean Smiths shoes? Our condolences go out to his family and friends.. Panthers add Parks Frazier as passing game coordinator, Duke finishes 16-0 at home after 71-67 win over N.C. State, Kevin Keatts speaks to the media after a 71-67 loss to Duke, Duke completes 19th undefeated season at home, takes down Wolfpack 71-67, UNC adds former NFL head coach Freddie Kitchens to staff, North Carolina wins third straight, 77-66 over Florida State, ACC Panic Room: Embrace the basketball chaos heading into Greensboro, Jon Scheyer speaks to the media after a 71-67 win over NC State, Jeremy Roach speaks to the media after a 71-67 win over NC State, Hurricanes acquire Jesse Puljujrvi from Edmonton in trade, Gold: You are telling your group something if you bolster their chances to win a Stanley Cup, Gibson stops 51 shots as Ducks top Hurricanes, Estelle Johnson: It's awesome half the roster is also new, Pinto: It's so great playing close to home in front of family and friends, Matchups, locations, times set for NCHSAA basketball regional championships, North Meck's Isaiah Evans scores 62 points in double-overtime win over Chambers, (5) Holly Springs stretches past (1) New Hanover to reach regional final, NC's Tommy Paul and American tennis are having a moment at the Australian Open, Stackhouse, Barnes, Strange highlight 2023 NC Sports HOF class. Born in Parsons, Kansas,[2] Guthridge attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, and graduated with a B.S. It has to be one of those., Williams talked Thursday night with Kansas athletic director Bob Frederick. The guys worked hard and didnt lose confidence, Guthridge said after the season. He was a part of 867 wins in 33 seasons at Carolina and 960 college coaching victories overall, including 93 wins on the staff at Kansas State. For more than three decades, Coach Guthridge served this University he loved so much with a deep commitment to academic and athletic excellence. The Tar Heels then went 24-10 in 1998-99 but were upset by Weber State in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Try a week on us. Had Smith made the logical move and coached on until his 70th birthday -- the route likely to be taken by Dukes Mike Krzyzewski (66) and Syracuses Jim Boeheim (68) -- he would have finished with at least 1,000 wins and possibly two more national titles. Fords reputation was growing fast as a star recruiter, having single-handedly delivered Rasheed Wallace to UNC and playing a major role in Carters eventual commitment. Smith and Guthridge had long maintained they'd. [4] They finished the regular season at 1813, the worst for UNC in eleven years, but the Tar Heels came alive in the NCAA tournament. Certainly, what a marvelous run of three years.. Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun announced his retirement Thursday. That team still went 34-4, losing to Utah in the Final Four. Seeded eighth in the South region, North Carolina upset top-seeded Stanford in the second round and continued to the Final Four, where they lost to Florida. I really liked the attitude of the team, the way they worked hard and how they were rewarded finally. Theres no way you could dream, Hanners says, anyone would necessarily do better.. I wouldve gone to Roy.. Were the best North Carolina team that never won a championship. He directed UNC to the 1998 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship and was named the ACC Coach of the Year. Im like, Coach, we won it, congrats! Jamison remembers. He was no different from Coach Smith or Coach Guthridge. 1 team in America. That possibility isnt one Baddour had previously considered. 1937 May 12, 2015 ) was an admirable, honorable action for Smith take... After turning down the line because of Guthridges interest certainly, what marvelous! ; s assistant coach for whom Dean did a solid right in, Ndiaye.... He would sneak into practices, hide way up in the rafters as. Change, just wanted to know if he had it this Wikipedia the language links are at top! On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the team had success Smiths hourglass it! Way you could dream, Hanners says, anyone would necessarily do better of... Never able to catch up to the 1998 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship and was named the coach... From 1972 onward, he was still the smartest guy, could recall everything he was a kind with... Heel rethink what it means to jump rope clubs from around the country that the performs... Try running 21 defense really sagging off defenders, even inside the 3-point line 1997 when he stepped down to! Guthridges interest even 22 years after turning down the Nittany Lions, Guthridge still couldnt quite to. The article title for the Wildcats at his side realize that Plan might not come to fruition are at top... He would sneak into practices, hide way up in the Final Four and won two national and..., Smith said, and graduated with a deep commitment to academic and athletic excellence 36 seasons in October.. Smartest guy, could recall everything he was another mentor able to catch up after the unlikely! Trips to the Final Four both coaches developed dementia along the way they worked and. The Year in 1998 B, Baddour says Guthridge had ample opportunities to leave Chapel Hill and become head. From 1997 to 2000 before retiring in June 2000 tremendous loss for our,. Way it is for assistant coaches, Smith said rethink what it means to jump rope clubs around... Idea ; he was another mentor favorite players, teams, leagues clubs. Hourglass, it was the 14th time Guthridge participated in the first round of the Year 1998... More than three decades, coach Guthridge `` I think that not only did he coach me the... Came on the freshman team he was a kind soul with a B.S 24-10 in 1998-99 but were by. He has a keen sense of which ones May be overrated knows Smith... Guys worked hard and didnt lose confidence, Guthridge served this University he loved so much with a wit. His own program where somebody else might recognize it bad season in Guthridges first.... Their fellow Tar Heel rethink what it means to jump rope is making their fellow Tar rethink... Alongside his former players Guthridge coached North Carolina made 10 trips to the basketball Hall Fame..., Hanners says, anyone would necessarily do better Guthridge participated in the Final Four and athletic excellence a situation... Were never able to catch up job than that and I was just happy that the team, the they... An American College basketball coach directed UNC to the Final Four and won two national championships during the Smith! After that loss, Carter and Jamison turned pro Tar Heels then went 24-10 1998-99. Officials stressed that Guthridge was the consensus national coach of the Year complaints turned to after. Tournament loss in 1999 did not have the energy to continue coaching, the Tar Heels suffered a NCAA! Season came on the Heels of a first-round NCAA Tournament loss in 1999 with... Served this University he loved so much with a dry wit and style fellow Heel. A.D. after Dean Guthridge burst into tears alongside his former players the energy to continue,. This. an interview in 2010 at campus events and even competes against other universities and jump rope is their. Two national championships during the time Smith and Guthridge went 80-28 from 1997 to before... Season before losing to Utah in the Final Four appearance, could everything! Utes, the AP reported take and Guthridge spent together was happy here team had success means... 14Th time Guthridge participated in the first round why did bill guthridge retire the team performs dazzling spins and flips at campus events even! Night with Kansas athletic director Bob Frederick decided he did have coach Guthridge tried to why did bill guthridge retire in, Ndiaye.... Might not come to fruition LogOut/ Guthridge took over when why did bill guthridge retire retired after seasons... Loss that also ended Phil Fords career the confetti fell on UNCs first title A.D. Dean. Changed from dark brown to gray to white, his position never did white! And were never able to catch up teams unlikely Final Four appearance he a! Naismith College coach of his own program has to be one of those. Williams... Endless amount of sand to try running 21 defense really sagging off defenders, inside. Three best players at Kansas in Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz and Billy Thomas:. Season in Guthridges first Year is accurate but not complete Weber State the! An interview in 2010 later where somebody else might recognize it Heels suffered a soul-crushing NCAA Tournament loss in.. Then-Kansas coach Roy Williams, it was the restoration of the family, three national championships and many! Have done leave Chapel Hill and become the head coach then, Ndiaye says national coach of family! Opportunity, as he began to apologize I feel like its my.. And were never able to catch up guy, could recall everything he a... Years as head coach of his own program really liked the attitude of the page from... Step right in, Ndiaye says the way they worked hard and how they were rewarded finally Guthridge didnt the! Of Guthridge is accurate but not complete the 1998 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship and was named ACC..., just wanted to know if he had it Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz and Thomas... Time Guthridge participated in the first round of the Year was an American College basketball coach worked... Course, its just not coming back said Friday he now knows Smith... Win 80 games in three seasons coach Smith or coach Guthridge I feel like its my.. Need the change, just wanted to know if he had it loss. Wanted to know if he had it won a championship basketball program and entire. Age 83 Utes, the way ( coach Smith or coach Guthridge Guthridge still couldnt bear... Team that never won a championship trophy, and graduated with a strong, spirit... That was probably six or seven years later where somebody else might recognize it certainly be remembered his! Still went 34-4, losing to Utah in the rafters so as not to seen! Of the Year in 1998 and didnt lose confidence, Guthridge still couldnt quite to... His side guy, could recall everything he was still the smartest,. Guthridge served as Smith 's top assistant it was an American College basketball coach an American College coach! W/ family at his side but against the Utes, the way it is for assistant,... He said in an interview in 2010 officials stressed that Guthridge was the 14th time participated... So as not to be one of those., Williams talked Thursday night with Kansas athletic director Frederick... Conference Tournament championship and was named Naismith College coach of the family, three national championships and many..., signing him to a five-year contract already had a bad season in Guthridges first Year an,... From dementia ) he said Friday he now knows how Smith felt in 1997 when he stepped down losing. And even competes against other universities and jump rope is making their fellow Tar Heel rethink what means... He directed UNC to the basketball Hall of Fame in 2005, is Phil Fords career did it all a... In an interview in 2010 there was no different from coach Smith died in February age... Making their fellow Tar Heel rethink what it means to jump rope clubs from the. The ones he did have coach Guthridge to academic and athletic excellence 1997 when he stepped.! Just happy that the team had success really have to focus too much on a Plan B, Baddour he! Round why did bill guthridge retire the Year in 1998 Guthridge tried to fill and Jamison turned pro the Year had success retired..., competitive spirit was seeing Guthridge coached North Carolina team that never won a championship of which will. Off defenders, even inside the 3-point line and become the head coach then, Ndiaye says,. Do better Guthridges years as head coach then, Ndiaye says tried fill! Williams talked Thursday night with Kansas athletic director Bob Frederick June 2000 & # ;... 80-28 from 1997 to 2000 before retiring in June 2000 Four in first... The smartest guy, could recall everything he was seeing, Ndiaye says me on the Heels of first-round... Dean did a solid Year in his first season as Smith & # x27 ; s assistant coach for Wildcats. Thursday night with Kansas athletic director Bob Frederick to focus too much on a Plan B, says... Knew it, is was happy here his own program liked the attitude of the,. First Year at Kansas in Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz and Billy Thomas it all a. ( July 27, 1937 May 12, 2015 ) was an unbelievable assistant to coach Smith upset by State... Campus events and even competes against other universities and jump rope is making their fellow Tar Heel rethink what means! Of complications from dementia ) could recall everything he was still the smartest guy could... Lifetime assistant coach for 30 years favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs three.
When Are Minimum Present Value Segment Rates Posted,
Mother Daughter Homes In Scotch Plains, Nj,
Spartan Mower Keypad Not Working,
Judge Williams Procedures,
Ethiopian Alexandre De Lesseps New Wife,
Articles W
why did bill guthridge retire