Monday afternoon, the school of Alabama announced the resignation of basketball coach Mark Gottfried - UA Director of Athletics Mal Moore said in a statement today.

Gottfried was in his 11th year at Alabama. The Tide's record this year is 12-7, including 2-3 in the Southeastern Conference. Gottfried's teams have missed the NCAA tournament the last two years. Gottfried, a 1987 Alabama graduate, played guard for the Crimson Tide for three seasons (1984-85, 1985-86, and 1986-87) while starting 98 consecutive games for then-head coach Wimp Sanderson after starting his college career at Oral Roberts University (1982-83 season).

Looking at Gottfried experiences, he says that his number one priority is the good of Alabama, My number one priority is to do what is best for the University of Alabama, this basketball program, and these young men (Athletic Director) Mal (Moore) and I sat down today and we talked. At that point, I notified him of my intention to resign as head coach of the men's basketball program. Gottfried said in a statement released by the school on Monday afternoon.

In response I accepted Coach Gottfried's resignation,' Moore said. I respect Mark's decision and will begin immediately working on a permanent replacement.

Crimson Tide assistant coach Philip Pearson will assume the role of interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Basketball