USF Athletics named coaching legend Eddie Sutton as interim head men's basketball coach at the University of San Francisco December 26, 2007. Sutton takes over for Jessie Evans who requested a leave of absence for the remainder of the 2007-08 season. "Coach Jessie Evans has requested a leave of absence for the remainder of the basketball season," USF Athletic Director Debra Gore-Mann said. "I have approved his request. Eddie Sutton has agreed to serve as Interim Head Coach, effective immediately and for the remainder of the 2007-08 season. I (or someone from the USF athletic administrative staff) will be traveling with the team as much as possible for the immediate future to lend my support to the student-athletes and to assist Interim Coach Sutton in any way I can." QUOTING INTERIM HEAD COACH SUTTON:
On the challenges of taking over USF mid-season: "I would say it's the toughest challenge that I've ever had. I've had challenges before, but I'm looking forward to meeting the young men and trying to turn the season around." On pursuing career win No. 800:
"It's very important. I had a chance earlier this year to take a Division I job and didn't think I wanted to do it. From a selfish standpoint, it is something I'm excited about. It was a goal I had for myself. I don't think nationally anybody's going to look at it and say, 'Now you won 800 versus 798.' There's just not that much difference." On returning to the sidelines:
"I missed teaching the game of basketball and having the opportunity to teach. If they'll listen and work hard, we'll have a chance to get better. I think we can get to the point where we're competitive again." COACH SUTTON READY TO LEAD THE DONS: Eddie Sutton enters his tenure as interim head coach with the University of San Francisco with 798 career Division I coaching victories after successful stops at Creighton (1969-74), Arkansas (1974-85) and Kentucky (1985-89) before spending 16 seasons at his alma mater, Oklahoma State (1990-06). With two wins, Sutton will become only the eighth coach in NCAA history to record 800 coaching triumphs and is second only to Texas Tech's Bobby Knight on the career wins chart among active coaches. One of just two coaches to earn coach of the year accolades in four different leagues, Sutton was named AP National Coach of the Year in 1978 and 1986. Sutton has directed his teams to 26 NCAA Tournament berths including three Final-Four trips (1978, 1995 & 2004). THE COACH SUTTON FILE
Family: Patsy (wife); Steve, Sean, Scott (sons); four grandsons, two granddaughters. Coaching Experience: Oklahoma State, graduate assistant, 1958-59; Tulsa Central High School, head coach, 1959-66; Southern Idaho Junior College, head coach, 1966-69; Creighton, head coach, 1969-74; Arkansas, head coach, 1974-85; Kentucky, head coach, 1985-89; Oklahoma State, head coach, 1990-2006 Coaching Honors:
AP National Coach of the Year: 1978, 1986
Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year: 1998, 2004
Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year: 1993
Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year: 1986
Southwest Conference Coach of the Year: 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981