The "Sweat Gary, Sweat!" chant is no more.
Today, Gary Williams announced he will be retiring from his position as the University of Maryland's head men's basketball coach, effective immediately.
"It's the right time," Williams said in a statement on the University website. "My entire career has been an unbelievable blessing. I am fiercely proud of the program we have built here. I couldn't have asked any more from my players, my assistant coaches, the great Maryland fans and this great university. Together, we did something very special here."
The 2010-11 season was Williams's 22nd year leading his alma mater, and 33rd overall as a head coach. He has won the fifth-most games of any coach, amassing a 668-380 record throughout his career, including fourteen NCAA tournament appearances, three ACC regular season titles, two Final Fours and the 2002 National Championship.
"I love Gary. What he has done for Maryland and for college basketball is remarkable," Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "He is one of the great coaches of all time. He is a coaches' coach and an ultimate competitor. His retirement is a big loss for the ACC and for college basketball."
The 2002 ACC and National Coach of the Year, and a Maryland alum, Williams will remain on staff as Assistant Athletic Director and Special Assistant to Athletic Director Kevin Anderson.
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