Florida’s women’s hoops coach resigns for ‘personal reasons’

during the Gators’ game against the Ole Miss Rebels on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, FL / UAA Communications photo by Logan White

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Posted July 16, 2021 | The Assocated Press

GAINESVILLE — Florida women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer stepped down on July 16 for “personal reasons,” the school announced, a surprising move that came six weeks after he signed a three-year contract extension.

Newbauer, hired from Belmont in March 2017, failed to turn around the school’s only sport to never win a conference championship.

The 43-year-old Indiana native was 46-71 overall and 15-47 in Southeastern Conference play, including three three-win seasons in four years. Newbauer had four years remaining on a deal that paid him $500,000 annually.

His departure came two days after leading scorer Lavender Briggs entered the transfer portal, another indication the program was far from being on the right track.

Athletic Director Scott Stricklin named Kelly Rae Finley interim head coach for the 2021-22 season. Stricklin said he plans to hire a permanent replacement following next season.

“After much reflection, my family and I have come to the difficult decision to step away,” Newbauer said in a statement. “Gator Nation and the Gainesville community have accepted me, my wife Sarah and our three daughters from the day we arrived. We will greatly miss all of the people that have made our experience and make this place so special.

“There are many people who I am forever grateful for, but I especially want to thank all of the players who I had the privilege to coach. I have no doubt that the program we built is poised for great success.”