Western New Mexico University Director of Athletics/Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mark Coleman announced Monday that he will step down as the men’s basketball coach at season’s end to focus on being the Director of Athletics.

"After 28 years of coaching and 10 years at Western, I am making this year my last to focus on my family and being the Director of Athletics," he said. "I have enjoyed coaching the kids and being around them and being the AD, I still get to have that opportunity in a different way, with more sports and athletes. I also get to spend more time with my five year old son who has begun playing sports himself. I look forward to a successful season and going out the best way possible, by making the playoffs. It’s been a lot of fun and I’ll miss it, but it’s time."

WNMU opens the 2012-13 season on Nov. 5 in Las Cruces against New Mexico State in an exhibition contest beginning at 7 p.m.