KEENER RESIGNS JMU BASKETBALL COACHING POSITION

2/22/2008 5:00:00 AM

James Madison University basketball coach Dean Keener announced Friday that he is resigning his position at the end of the current season.

Keener has been JMU's head coach for four seasons after being a college assistant coach for 16 years. His JMU teams have compiled a 29-83 record, including an 11-15 mark this season.

The 42-year-old Keener signed a five-year contract when joining the JMU staff in April 2004, and terms of that agreement will be fulfilled ? through April 30, 2009 ? said university officials on Friday.

Keener joined the JMU staff after four seasons (2000-04) as an assistant at Georgia Tech, including during the Yellow Jackets' 2003-04 NCAA runner-up season. He previously was an assistant at JMU from 1999-2000, at Virginia Tech from 1997-99 and from 1991-95, at Southern Methodist from 1995-97, at Southern California from 1990-91 and at Drake from 1988-90.

Keener is a 1988 Davidson graduate and a native of Tallmadge, Ohio.

JMU immediately will begin a search to fill the coaching position and will continue the search until an ideal candidate is found, said athletics director Jeff Bourne.

Statement From Dean Keener, JMU Basketball Coach:

After meeting with Jeff Bourne this morning, I have decided to step down at the end of the season.

I would like to thank (JMU president) Dr. Linwood Rose, (JMU senior vice president) Charlie King and Jeff for the opportunity they gave me at JMU. What a special place JMU is and always will be. My wife and family have made some wonderful relationships during our four years here.

Our record doesn't show what this team and program have accomplished. We knew of the severe challenges when we arrived at JMU, yet we incurred many more unexpectedly along the way. That made it difficult. This season started off in fine fashion, but with injuries and some awfully tough luck it shows the difference between winning and losing can be razor thin.

Thanks to all the passionate JMU fans for their support of our basketball program. Please know that we look forward to finishing the regular season and competing in the CAA tournament.

Statement from Jeff Bourne, JMU Athletics Director:

We at JMU are grateful for the work and effort of Coach Keener and his coaching staff. Their dedication, work ethic and fighting through adversity have been commendable. We all regret that our program hasn't reached the level of success envisioned by everyone involved. We wish Coach Keener, his staff and their families the best.

JMU Men's Basketball is a stronger program today because of Coach Keener's character, integrity and commitment to conducting business the right way.