Northwest Nazarene head men’s basketball coach Dave Daniels announced on Monday that he is retiring from coaching and will turn over the reins of the Crusader men’s basketball program at the end of May.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to work at NNU and for all the friendships, support and encouragement that my family and I have received,” Daniels said. “NNU is a wonderful place with many wonderful people.
“After much prayer and consideration with my wife Vicki, I have come to a decision that for the benefit of my family and my own health, it is time for me to step away from coaching,” Daniels added.
“I am very excited to invest more quality time with my wife and three daughters and to follow where God is leading us on this journey.”
Daniels steps away from the hardwood after a 10-year career as a head coach that includes spending the last four seasons guiding NNU’s program. During that time he compiled a 126-157 overall record and a 34-58 mark while leading the Crusaders.
Prior to his time at NNU, Daniels was the head coach for six seasons at his alma mater, Colorado Christian.
“I want to thank Dave for all the time and energy he poured into the NNU men’s basketball program over the last four years,” NNU Director of Athletics Kelli Lindley said. “He has impacted many of his student-athletes in ways that will carry over to the rest of their lives beyond their time here at NNU.
“We wish him the very best.”
This past season, Daniels’ Crusaders made a strong charge over the second half of the campaign, winning 13 of their last 22 games to advance to the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals and finish just two victories shy of the NCAA Division II National Tournament.
“I especially want to thank our Coaches Club Members who have been so vested in the program, along with Brian and Tony Bohner for their friendship, love and leadership as the men’s basketball sports reps,” Coach Daniels said, recognizing many of people who help make Crusader men’s basketball a success with their off-court contributions.
“It has been such a blessing to have gotten to know and coach the young men that have played for me the past 10 years,” NNU’s retiring head man added. “These relationships are what have meant the most to me and will continue to be significant beyond coaching.”
Daniels leaves a team laden with young, experienced talent, as the future looks bright for the Crusader men’s basketball team.
“I am proud of the way our young men competed and finished the season on such a strong note and am confident under Kelli Lindley and Dr. David Alexander’s leadership, the NNU men’s basketball program will continue to thrive.”
The search to fill the vacancy left by Coach Daniels’ retirement is currently ongoing.
http://www.nnusports.com/news/2015/4/14/MBB_0414153259.aspx
Photo Courtesy Northwest Nazarene
