Dordt College has announced Ross Douma will resign his head men’s basketball coaching position at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season to focus his energy on his responsibilities as the school’s athletic director. Douma was named Dordt College athletic director this past June.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as our head men’s basketball coach since 2009, which makes arriving at this decision so difficult. The players and coaches who have been a part of our program during this time are very special to me and I will always cherish the relationships that were forged as a result of the game of basketball,” said Douma. “The current men’s basketball team has a tremendous young nucleus that a new coach will inherit and take to new heights. I am grateful for the opportunity our administration gave me this season to serve as both athletic director and head men’s basketball coach. That said, it has become increasingly clear in order for our athletic department to realize its vast potential, I need to devote more time to the new and exciting initiatives that are on the horizon for Dordt College athletics. I look forward to serving the Dordt College community and our passionate fan base in this singular capacity.”

Douma, has served as the head men’s basketball coach since 2009-10 and has guided the Defenders to a 180-94 record. His .656 winning percentage is the highest of the nine men’s basketball coaches who have served the program. Douma coached the Defenders to NAIA National Championship Tournament berths in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

“Ross Douma has done an exceptional job building the men’s basketball program. His skill set has been an asset to the basketball program and the whole athletic department across the board. Ross has communicated his excitement to take up the mantle and legacy that Glenn Bouma has built. Ross is a gifted leader who will use those talents to lead and serve our coaching staff while they develop holistic student-athletes through the Defender Way,” said Dordt College Provost Eric Forseth.

The search for Dordt College’s tenth men’s basketball coach will begin immediately.