UL to Announce Darby Rich Resignation

Sources within the Cajun athletic department have acknowledged that the resignation of current basketball assistant Darby Rich will be announced later this week.

UL assistant basketball coach Darby Rich has tendered his resignation to the Administration, which is to be officially announced later this week. According to the sources,Darby's spouse has accepted lucrative position with a new empolyer that requires the family to relocate.

UL officially announced Darby Rich's hiring back on April 13th, joining head basketball coach Bob Marlin's staff along with Nikita Johnson.

Darby came to UL from Sam Houston State, where he served as an assistant under coach Bob Marlin. Rich is currentley working with UL athletes in the pre-season basketball strength and conditioning program.

Rich spent three seasons (1998-99 through 2000-01) as an assistant coach to Bob Marlin at Sam Houston State, including last season 2009-2010.

Rich was the Bearkats' recruiting coordinator and scouting director. He helped the program win the school's first Southland Conference title (2000) and record the school's highest Division I victory total for a season (22 in 2000).

He also helped recruit all but one player that made up SHSU's 2003 Southland Conference champion and NCAA Tournament team.

Rich also spent five seasons as a member of the Oklahoma basketball staff from 2004-09.

At OU, Rich designed and implemented performance enhancement programs especially tailored for the needs of each player. Under his guidance, the Sooners worked to prevent injuries and enhance athletic performance specific to the demands of basketball.

The Sooners earned NCAA Tournament berths each season, including 2005 when they won the Big 12 regular season title.

Former Nichols State and ULM assistant Kevin Johnson is rumored to be the leading candidate to replace Darby Rich.