James Dickey steps down as head basketball coach of the Houston Cougars

James Dickey spent four years at the
helm of the Houston Cougars.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Right Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 24, 2014) It is being reported via University of Houston press release and the Houston Chronicle that James Dickey has stepped down as men's head basketball coach at the Houston Cougars.

The announcement from the University of Houston was released via e mail press release on Monday, March 24, 2014 at 4:45 p.m.

The stated reason was given as “private family matters.”

Dickey spent four years at the helm of the Cougars, posting a 64-62 record along with one post season berth in 2013, advancing to the quarterfinals of the CBI tournament; beating the Texas Longhorns in the first round by the score of 73-72.

He holds a 217-196 overall career record, along with previous jobs as the head coach at Texas Tech (10 years) and as an assistant at Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Central Arkansas, Harding College, and Kentucky.

In the 2013-14 season, Dickey’s Houston squad defeated three Top 25 teams and finish the season with a 17-16 record.

In the press release from the University of Houston, Dickey was quoted:

“This has been a difficult decision to make. I continually preach to my players about being an everyday guy, and the balance of your personal and professional life is a major part of it. With that being said, I have a family matter that requires my time and energy, and I will regretfully step down from my current position at the University of Houston. I am extremely appreciative of Mack Rhoades (Houston athletic director) for the opportunity and for the value he brings professionally and personally. I cannot thank my coaching staff and our players enough for the experience and memorable moments over the past four years. The system of support set forth by our Athletic Department staff is world class, and I’m appreciative of every member of the Houston Athletics family. I would like to thank the Houston fans for their support through the years and greatly encourage them to continue their support of the program in the future.”

Houston will immediately begin a national search for Dickey’s replacement.