EL PASO, Texas, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Jason Rabedeaux, the men's basketball coach at Texas-El Paso, late Monday resigned from his job, citing personal priorities.
In three seasons with the Miners, Rabedeaux went 46-46. After he guided the team to its first postseason appearance in six years two seasons ago, UTEP went just 13-15 in 2001-02.
Rabedeaux stressed that he wasn't fired or forced out. He also said he wasn't stepping away from what he thought was a losing situation. He said that he just has things in his life he needs to prioritize.
"Right now, at 37 years of age for Jason Rabedeaux, what defense we're in, and how many points we score, and when the next booster function is are not at the top of my list," he said. "I felt at this time it was in the best interest of our basketball program and our university that a change in leadership be made. It's a difficult decision, but one right now in my life that needed to be made. I'll coach again, but right now I need to prioritize and do something different."
Two seasons ago, Rabedeaux, whose annual salary is $145,000, led the Miners to a 23-9 mark and a trip to the National Invitation Tournament. That followed a 13-15 campaign, Rabedeaux's first as a head coach after serving as an assistant for five years at Oklahoma State.
Last season, the Miners slumped to 10-22, the most losses in a single campaign in school history.
"He did things his second year here that no one else has done, winning 20 games," said Athletic Director Bob Stull. "He's certainly going to be a part of UTEP history in a very positive manner."
Stull said Assistant Coach Junsie Cotton, 30, could become the interim coach, but said he hasn't had a lot of time to think about it. For now, he is being called "the point man."
Legendary former coach Don Haskins already has said he is not interested in the job.
"It's a tough situation," said Cotton, "but we have to deal with it. (The players) were shocked, surprised, but they also know Coach Rab has issues to deal with right now."
