University of West Florida men’s basketball head coach Bob Stinnett announced on Monday that he will retire at the end of the 2014-15 season. Stinnett, a UWF graduate and member of the school’s athletics hall of fame, will finish his sixth season as head coach at the end of the year.
Stinnett returned to UWF as head coach in 2009. During his six seasons, the Argonauts had three All-South Region selections (Jamar Moore and Marquis Mathis in 20011-12, Nate Johnson in 2013-14) and one All-America pick (Ellis Young III in 2012-13). The Argos had one of their best seasons in school history in 2011-12, as the team went 19-11 and advanced to the Gulf South Conference Tournament semifinals.
"I want to express how much I’ve enjoyed this job," said Stinnett. "I’ve worked for one of the best university presidents there is with Dr. Bense, along with our athletic director Dave Scott. I was an Argo at the very beginning, and I’ll be an Argo until my last day on Earth. I’ve enjoyed the six seasons that I’ve had with the team, and now I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family."
Stinnett’s career before returning to UWF included stops at the high school, junior college and university levels. He spent two years at Pensacola High School before accepting the job at UWF. He led PHS to a district and regional championship and a state final four appearance in 2008-09. His junior college head coaching positions included Broward Community College North, Pensacola Junior College, Okaloosa Walton Community College and Chipola Junior College.
He spent one season as a student-athlete for the first UWF men’s basketball team in 1967-68, and he helped lead UWF to the best winning percentage in program history at 19-3. He currently holds the school’s single season record in free throw percentage at 85.8 percent. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the UWF Athletics Hall of Fame in 1970.
"Bob helped bridge the gap between our current teams and our history here at UWF," said UWF athletic director Dave Scott. "He helped build more community awareness for UWF, and he has dedicated a significant part of his life to this University. We wish him and his family well in the future."
The UWF men’s basketball team has three games left this season, including two at home this week. The Argonauts will host West Georgia on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m., and Stinnett’s last home game as head coach will be Saturday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. against West Alabama.
The search for the new University of West Florida men’s basketball head coach will begin after the conclusion of the 2014-15 season.
