Terry Gibbons Steps Down

The UW- Eau Claire Blugolds will be searching for a new head man to lead the men's team in 2012.  Terry Gibbons stepped down as head coach of the Blugolds yesterday after 16 years at the end of the bench.  Gibbons announced his somewhat unexpected retirement at a press conference last night.  He will continue with the university in his teaching capacity as well as taking on a new role as assistant to the athletic director.


Gibbons has led the Blugolds for 16 seasons racking up a career record of 235-185.  His career was highlighted by a 2001 trip to the DIII national title game which saw the Blugolds end as runner-ups. 

However, Gibbons has had considerably less success in recent years including a 9-17 2011 campaign.  The Blugolds recent struggles have many wondering if this decision was made on his own accord.

Personally, I have to think that Athletic Director Scott Kilgallon had a say in Gibbons' retirement.  The success for the Blugolds just hasn't been there in recent years and I think it was time to head in a different direction. 

Gibbons new position "special assistant to the athletic director" seems to be a reparation for the old coach, encouraging him to go quietly.

Kilgallon has began a national search for the man who will attempt to turn around what once was a storied program.  The UWEC job should be a highly sought after position as most WIAC jobs are.  The opportunity to live and work in a great city such as Eau Claire along with the opportunity to compete in the best DIII conference in the country would be a great for any up and coming coach.