Coach Phil McNichol leaving U.S. Ski Team

PARK CITY, Utah, March 19 (UPI) -- Phil McNichol, who was the men's coach for the U.S. Alpine Ski Team for 11 seasons, is retiring, ski team officials confirmed Wednesday.

McNichol reportedly had disclosed Saturday he was leaving but the team's announcement officially marks the end of one of the most successful seasons for U.S. skiers, who won a total of five titles in 2008.

"Phil has done an unbelievable job with the U.S. Ski Team," said team Alpine Director Jesse Hunt. "The World Cup results we've had in the last six years under his leadership are significant.

"We're disappointed to see Phil leave, but I also understand his wish to spend more time with his family. As an American team that competes primarily in Europe, it's a tough task and Phil has shown great perseverance for many years. And he's developed a program that can carry on the tradition of athletic success."

McNichol's tenure as head coach produced some notable results with World Cup wins from Ted Ligety, Bode Miller, Steven Nyman, Daron Rahlves, and Marco Sullivan.

"It's good to leave when the guys are doing well and the team is in a good place," McNichol said. "The whole organization is moving in the right direction. I wanted to leave it better than when I started."