Story courtesy of Ohio Sports Information
ATHENS, Ohio - John Groce has resigned as head coach of the men's basketball program at Ohio University to accept the same position at the University of Illinois, the school announced today. A national search for a successor will begin immediately.
"We wish John Groce and his family all the best," Ohio Director of Athletics Jim Schaus said. "He did a remarkable job during his tenure to raise the level of excellence in our men's basketball program. We thank him and his staff for a job well done. Although he will be missed, we will begin a national search immediately to hire a head coach who will lead our storied program moving forward."
In four years at the helm of the Bobcat program, Groce compiled a 85-56 (.603) record, placing him seventh on Ohio's all-time wins list. He led Ohio to two Mid-American Conference Tournament championships and this past season helped Ohio to a program-record 29 wins and a berth in the NCAA Regionals for the first time since 1964.
Groce led Ohio to three-consecutive postseason appearances for the first time in program history, starting with a win over nationally-ranked Georgetown in 2010. Success in last year's CollegeInsider.com Tournament last season set the tone for the 2011-12 campaign which culminated with victories over nationally-ranked Michigan and South Florida in the NCAA Tournament before an overtime loss to national power and No. 1 seed North Carolina.
Ohio named Groce head coach on June 27, 2008 after four seasons at Ohio State, where he helped the Buckeyes to two Big Ten regular season championships, a Big Ten Tournament title and the 2007 Final Four.