Web update: Dick Davey will retire at end of 2007 season

By Chris Furnari

Santa Clara basketball coach Dick Davey has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2007 basketball season after 15 years behind the bench.

"I was hoping we would wait until the end of the season to announce this decision," said Davey, "but the university felt that it was in the best interest of the school to announce it sooner, in order to look for a new coach."

Davey, 64, has coached at Santa Clara for 30 years -- 15 as an assistant under Carroll Williams and 15 as head coach, with a career record of 245-187.

This season, Davey is off to one of the best starts in Bronco history with a 15-7 overall record, and share of second place in conference play.

The timing surrounding announcing Davey's retirement has been questioned. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that unnamed sources said administrators above Athletic Director Dan Coonan, as well as some major donors, were "very intrigued" with the possibility of putting more money into the basketball program and going after a high profile coach. The sources said Davey may have been encouraged to retire.

Davey denied that, saying, "I have been here 30 years and I am sure there were people that felt it was the right time to do it and I wouldn't disagree with their thinking."

Coonan could not be reached for comment. He said in a statement that a search for Davey's replacement will begin immediately.

"We happen to think this is a tremendous opportunity, and that the program is poised for a very bright future based upon the wonderful success the coaches have had with the team this season," Coonan said in the statement. "I am certain there will be no shortage of phenomenal candidates interested."

Some have speculated that former Stanford and Warriors coach Mike Montgomery is a possible candidate for the position.

Though Davey will have no part in the selection process of the next coach, his vote is for current associate head coach Steve Seandel.

"It's not my decision, but I think Steve can keep the program going forward and in the right direction," said Davey.

The university reported Davey has been offered a fundraising job at the university, although he has yet to make a decision on his future.

"They have not offered me anything, but I think the key thing is to wait till the season is over and then reflect on what the future holds"

Davey, who is well known for his argyle sweaters, led the Broncos to three NCAA tournament appearances during his tenure as coach, including the 1993 upset of second-seeded Arizona when Steve Nash was a Bronco.

Davey said he does not have any plans to continue coaching at another university, but joked about another possible opening.

"I think my grand-daughter's 9-year-old CYO team might need a coach, but other than that I have no other plans to continue," said Davey.

When asked about his experience as a Bronco, Davey said, "It's been the greatest experience in the world and I consider myself lucky to have been a coach here for so long, but it's time for someone else to be in charge."