Well, looks like it’s finally official – Jeff Jackson has resigned at Furman. Here’s the official statement:

Jeff Jackson has resigned as Furman men’s basketball coach after seven seasons with the program, it was announced on Friday by Furman athletics director Dr. Gary Clark.

"We respect Coach Jackson’s decision to resign and pursue other career opportunities, whether in coaching or other areas," said Clark. "We appreciate the manner in which he has represented Furman University and Furman athletics. He has recruited quality young men who have performed in the classroom and represented Furman with class on the basketball court. We wish Coach Jackson all the best in his future endeavors."

"I would like to take this time to thank everyone in the Furman community for the support they showed our program, especially Dr Clark and President Smolla," said Jackson. "I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given to coach at Furman."

The Paladins posted a 7-24 record and 3-15 Southern Conference mark this past season under Jackson, who compiled an 85-131 overall record in seven seasons at the helm of the Furman program. In 2011, he guided the Paladins to a 22-11 campaign and a berth in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament – the school’s first postseason appearance since 1991. Furman also posted victories over Southeastern Conference foes Vanderbilt (2006) and South Carolina (2010) during Jackson’s tenure.

Clark indicated no firm timetable has been established in securing Jackson’s replacement, though the search would begin immediately. Assistant coach Bob Richey has been named interim head coach and will be assisted by David Willson and Shammond Williams.