Jeff Bzdelik has resigned as Wake Forest’s head basketball coach, Athletics Director Ron Wellman announced Thursday.

"Jeff is a man of great character and integrity who made every decision for the long-term benefit of the program and the University," said Wellman. "At this time, Jeff felt that new leadership would help the program and allow the student-athletes to reach their full potential.

"Jeff’s four years with us have produced many positive results. He has recruited very good people, both players and staff, to Wake Forest. He has had high expectations, both on and off the court, of everyone associated with our program. Over the last four years the team has shown improvement on the court and superb improvement off the court."

"During my year-end review with Ron, we discussed the overall status of the program which I believe is very positive," said Bzdelik. "The right players are in place who have the values that are important at Wake Forest. At the end of the discussion, I told Ron that I am resigning because there needs to be a positive environment for the players to realize their potential. I appreciate the opportunity that we have had at Wake Forest. I look forward to the future success of this program."

Bzdelik posted a record of 51-76 overall and 17-51 in Atlantic Coast Conference games during his four years.

A national search for Wake Forest’s next head coach will begin immediately. There is no timeline for hiring a replacement said Wellman.

"As I imagine that most of our candidates will be participating in postseason play, I would not expect us to have a quick announcement on the new coach. I will be working with University leaders and national basketball leaders to identify the most outstanding prospects. There is no timetable for this process," said Wellman.

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