St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - Rick Majerus will not return as Saint Louis head men's basketball coach due to lingering health issues.
"Coach Majerus' health is of the utmost importance, and our thoughts and prayers are with him as he faces his challenges," said Saint Louis director of athletics Chris May. "We are thankful for Rick's efforts as he succeeded by all accounts as our head men's basketball coach. This is an exciting season for the program, and we think it is important to communicate, with transparency, to the student-athletes, staff and our loyal fans that Rick will not be returning."
Majerus originally announced he was taking a leave of absence in late August as he was set to undergo treatment and evaluation for a persistent and serious heart ailment out in California.
That course of action has apparently been extended for an indefinite period of time, and interim head coach Jim Crews will continue to lead the team going forward. Under Crews, the Billikens have split their first two games, a win over USC Upstate and a loss to Santa Clara. Texas A&M is next on the slate, scheduled for Monday.
In just five years as SLU's head coach, the 64-year-old Majerus put the men's basketball program back on the national map, leading the Jesuit program to a 95-69 record.
Last season, he guided the Billikens to the third round of the NCAA Tournament, SLU's first NCAA appearance since 2000. In addition, the Billikens topped Memphis in the second round for their first NCAA Tournament win since 1998. Saint Louis entered the national polls for the first time since 1994-95.
"Rick returned our program to national prominence, and Billiken fans everywhere will be forever grateful for his deep commitment to winning, and his even deeper commitment to our student-athletes," said university president Lawrence Biondi, S.J. "We continue to pray for Rick and his family and friends during this difficult time."
