DePaul begins search for its 14th men's basketball coach

After winning only 34 percent of his games over five season at DePaul, men's basketball Oliver Purnell has resigned as head coach of the Blue Demons.

DePaul athletic director Jean Lenti Ponsetto announced the decision Saturday and said a search for a new head coach is underway.

Purnell went 54-105 in five seasons at DePaul. In 27 years as a college head coach, he holds a record of 448-384.

"He moved the program forward with the building of the roster and we wish him and his family well in the future," said Ponsetto. "We are grateful to Coach Purnell for turning a corner in DePaul recruiting. We are clearly a stronger program because of his leadership."

Since Joey Meyer went 3-23 in his season at DePaul in 1996-97, the program has not been able to keep a head coach beyond five seasons. In 18 seasons since Meyer left, DePaul has earned 20 wins or more just four times.

"It is my best interest and my family's best interest to resign as head coach of the DePaul basketball program," said Purnell. "We made progress here and improved with the talent and character of our student-athletes."

DePaul has had 13 head coaches in the history of its men's basketball program, with the legendary Ray Meyer leading it from 1942 to 1984. In a 15-year stretch that began in 1977, DePaul gained national prominence with 20-plus wins 13 times under Ray and Joey Meyer.