The NCAA News - News and Features

October 20, 1997

North Carolina's Dean Smith retires after 36 years on court

His 879 victories are the most in collegiate basketball; he also led Tar Heels to two national championships

Dean Smith retired as head men's basketball coach at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, October 9 after winning more games than any other college basketball coach and leading two teams to national championships.

Smith, who coached at North Carolina for 36 years, told reporters he decided it was best to make a clean break before another season begins. Longtime assistant Bill Guthridge was selected to replace Smith just nine days before practice began for the 1997-98 season.

"This timing is something I believed in all along," said Smith, who broke Adolph Rupp's career victory mark of 876 last season during the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. "I certainly wouldn't want to say I'll coach this year and resign after the season. Can you imagine how many rocking chairs at different places I would get and them all acting like they like you? I've seen that all too often."

Packed room

With students gathered outside, pressing against windows, his North Carolina team entered a packed room of about 300 reporters, former players, faculty, staff and friends inside the school's Smith Center just moments before the coach. The players were somber and visibly shocked that Smith had chosen to retire so suddenly, according to The Associated Press.

Smith appeared at ease as he began to address the crowd, but began to cry when he talked about his players.

"What loyalty I've had, from my players..." Smith said, wiping away tears, then dropping his head for several moments while he tried to regain his composure. I knew some day this would be my last team. Yes, there is guilt. I look at their faces and I just couldn't handle that. I couldn't if I turned right now. But I still believe it's best for them unless I could give them what I want.

"I enjoy basketball. I enjoy coaching basketball. It's the out-of-season stuff I didn't handle well."

He couldn't really pin down major factors in his decision, though he mentioned his 66-year-old body was out of shape and overweight.

"I am going to try to exercise, and the doctor didn't tell me to do that," Smith said. "But when you're nearing 200 pounds at 5-10, it's time to do something."

Knowing when to go

Mostly he talked about knowing when to go.

"I've been saying for the last eight years or so maybe it's time to go do something else," he said.

Smith said he knew it was time to give it up when he saw former Tar Heel Larry Brown coaching the Philadelphia 76ers at training camp in Chapel Hill.

"Larry Brown always fires me up, watching him out on the court, the enthusiasm," Smith said. "I said, 'I used to be like that and if I can't give this team that enthusiasm, I said I would give it up.' That's honestly how I feel."

Guthridge said it was "the little things that wore Dean out." He meant the many public appearances, autograph signings and speeches. Chancellor Michael K. Hooker said he tried to talk Smith out of his decision, but didn't press the coach.

"I didn't try as hard as I might have because I respect Dean too much," he said. "He knows what he wants better than I do, and it would have been selfish for the institution to impose on him an obligation that is not appropriate for the circumstances."

The 60-year-old Guthridge will receive a long term contract if approved by the university board of trustees.

"This isn't quite the way I had envisioned this whole scenario over the years," Guthridge said. "I had hoped Dean and I could go out together and ride off into the sunset in five years. I didn't stay around here for 30 years hoping Dean would leave. My goal was to go out when he did, but I'm not ready to go," he said.

Players have mixed emotions

Tar Heel player Antawn Jamison said he and his teammates had conflicting emotions about their coach's departure.

"It's strange because everybody has the same expression on their face," he said. "It's kind of like, it's sad, but you are rejoicing at the same time because you know deep down inside he really needed this. It's been a long road for him and he's been carrying a whole lot of weight. I really am happy for him, but I guess the whole mood is just shocking."

A famous former pupil also wished him well -- someone who considered Smith a "father figure."

"He's made an impact on so many players, people's lives and now he's entitled to do that with his family -- and certainly we support his decision," said Michael Jordan, who played for Smith in the 1982 championship game.

With a career record of 879-254, Smith won national titles in 1982 and 1993. His teams have finished in the top three of the Atlantic Coast Conference for a record 33 straight seasons. He led the Tar Heels to an NCAA-record 27 straight 20-victory seasons. Smith's only losing season came in his first, when the team was 8-9 in 1961-62.

On this day of fond farewells and tearful goodbyes, Smith got a call from one of America's biggest college basketball fans -- President Clinton.

"There is nobody like you," Clinton said. "But not just because you won, but because of the way you did it. We all respect and admire you so much."

Coaching accomplishments for Dean Smith's 36-year career