University of South Dakota head men’s basketball coach David Boots has announced he is retiring from coaching following a highly-successful, 25-year career at USD and following 32 years as a head men’s basketball coach.
Boots, 57, is the winningest coach in program history, posting a 503-235 record for a win percentage of .681. He led the Coyotes to 23 consecutive winning seasons from 1989-2011, 10 NCAA Division II tournaments, six North Central Conference championships and back-to-back Elite Eight appearances in 1993 and 1994. At the Division I level, Boots won a Great West Championship in 2010, which culminated with a berth in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.
Boots amassed 618 wins in 32 seasons as a head basketball coach. He holds the 14th-most wins in Division II history (603) and is a seven-time conference coach of the year honoree.
Statement from Dave Boots:
“For the past 25 years, I have enjoyed leading the Coyote basketball program. The time has come for a new face and new voice to now lead. Peggy and I want to thank everyone who supported us and made our experience so enjoyable. USD was truly a special place for our family.
“I would like to thank all of the assistant coaches that worked with me over the years and a special thanks to Coach (Joey) James and Coach (Chris) Kassin for their many years of commitment and loyalty. They made my job easy.
“To all of the former players, I will forever cherish the opportunity I had to be a part of your lives. What great memories I will carry with me.
“To the current team members, I wish you the very best. You deserve success and I will be watching closely as you accomplish great things.
“And to all the fans, alumni and friends, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be part of a very special place.”
Statement from USD director of athletics David Herbster:
“Today, I accepted the decision of Coach Dave Boots to retire and step down as head basketball coach at the University of South Dakota. I appreciate everything that Dave Boots has done for USD, Coyote athletics and our basketball program. Timing is never ideal and I know he didn’t reach this decision without careful thought and consideration.
“Coach Boots has left an impact on basketball in the state of South Dakota, and his 25 years of service to the game here on this campus has left the foundation of an incredibly strong program.”
