The Charlotte 49ers and head men’s basketball coach Alan Major have mutually agreed to part ways after his five-year stint with the program. Major has had two leaves of absence to attend to medical issues over the last year.

“This is an extremely difficult situation,” said Director of Athletics Judy Rose. “In talking with Alan, we decided this was both in his best interest and the best interest of our program.”

“This was the best decision to make at this time for my health and for the program moving forward,” Major said. “I want to thank Judy Rose and Chancellor Phil Dubois for this opportunity the past five years.”

Major led the 49ers to a 75-81 record over the last five years, including a personal 67-70 coaching mark. During that time, the 49ers advanced to the 2013 NIT, posted top 10 wins over #7 Tennessee and #10 Butler and captured regular-season tournament titles at the 2012 Great Alaska Shootout and the 2013 Puerto Rico Tip-Off. In winning the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, Charlotte ousted 2013 Big 12 co-Champion Kansas State, 2013 Colonial champ Northeastern before toppling 2013 national runner-up Michigan in dramatic fashion for the title. Charlotte won 21 games in 2013 and 17 in 2014 and combined for a 38-26 mark over those two seasons.

Among the players he brought into the program were star guard Pierria Henry, who finished his career as the 49ers all-time leader in career steals, assists and minutes played. Henry was an all-Freshman Team choice as a rookie, a two-time third-team all-Conference USA player and a three-time league all-Defensive team choice. Current freshman Torin Dorn was the 2015 C-USA Freshman of the Year while classmate Keyshawn Woods led C-USA in three-point shooting. Three of his players earned conference all-Freshman team honors and both Henry (1238 points) and classmate Terrence Williams (972 pts.) moved into the program’s all-time top 30 scorers.

“He made some tough decisions, attracted talented players, including several from right here in Charlotte and we’re in a good place from an academic standpoint,” Rose said. “He also was instrumental in reconnecting with several former players and even urging some, successfully, to return to school to earn their diploma.”

“To my coaches and support staff: Ryan Odom, Desmond Oliver and Orlando Vandross are not only outstanding coaches but also great fathers, husbands and leaders. I thank them as well as our support staff and managers for their tireless dedication,” Major said. “To the players, both current and former: thank you for your efforts on and off the floor and for giving me the chance to coach you. The former 49ers have blessed us by coming back for reunions and restoring pride to Charlotte basketball. To my family, friends and loyal fans: Thank you for your cheers, love and support. While we did not reach all of our goals, I am thankful that we achieved some historic victories on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.”

“We appreciate how much Alan put into this program,” Rose said. “He worked hard on our behalf and on behalf of his players, whose welfare he always put above his own.”

“I look forward to finishing my health recovery and am eager to see God’s plan for my next opportunity,” added Major, who will not comment further on the subject.

A national search for Major’s successor will begin immediately.

“We are a program that expects to compete in the NCAA Tournament and for conference championships,” Rose said. “We have a strong basketball tradition, and we are driven to find the best coaching candidate to lead us to those goals.”