Mark Gottfried quits as Alabama Basketball head coach, The University announced Monday afternoon after 10 years of seasons.

My number one priority is to do what is best for the University of Alabama, this basketball program, and these young men, Gottfried said in a university release.

Mark Gottfried has agreed to resign as Alabama's basketball coach. Confirmation came following an afternoon meeting with UA Athletic Director Mal Moore.

I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity and the privilege to lead our men's basketball program at Alabama for the past 10 and a half seasons.

I accepted Coach Gottfried's resignation, Moore said. I respect Mark's decision and will begin immediately working on a permanent replacement. I agreed with him that it is in the best interests of the men's basketball program for us to move in a different direction.

Gottfried will not coach the Crimson Tide's games for the remainder of the season, as assistant coach Philip Pearson will take over as interim coach.

His career record stands at 278-155 for a winning percentage of .642 in 14 seasons as a college head coach.

Basketball