Copyright 2013 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. And had Smith gone until age 71 or 72, as did Kentuckys Adolph Rupp, Carolina would have won another 50-60 games and the transition to Roy Williams might have happened seamlessly. Making the Final Four is a tremendous accomplishment but its not what you chase. As he would prepare for a basketball practice or game, he was equally intense about attention to detail in scheduling or whatever.. North Carolina athletic director Dick Baddour has refused to comment directly on Guthridge's contract, saying the school's board of trustees discourages him from talking publicly about such personnel issues. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Capital Financial - Learn how to secure lifetime retirement income. Then he retired, too. They made sure we knew it wasnt the most important thing in the world, but that we had been given a talent, and it was our job to use it., The Carolina community mourns the passing of Bill Guthridge, a great coach, devoted friend and loyal Tar Heel. Guthridge was criticized last season by alumni and fans for losing five games at home the most since World War II and for a record that dropped to 18-13 after a first-round defeat in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. My guess is he would not have been, and then the first call, yes, wouldve been Roy, Baddour says. And he said, Im not crying because we won. It didnt bother me that I was a lousy coach, and when we started winning I was a better coach. We ended up beating em easily, and I thanked him later for it, Hanners says. He once told a newspaper he never left the program because the other 300 Division I head coaching jobs werent better than his job as an assistant. He held tight. The spring of 1997, it seemed, was no different. It was Guthridge who was the creator of the well-known and slightly strange departure times for Carolina travel parties. Coach Guthridge was the right choice to lead the transition to another, younger leader of the famed basketball program at the University of North Carolina. Both played college ball in that state -- Smith at Kansas, Guthridge at Kansas State -- and coached at their alma maters before coming to North Carolina. in education in 1963. After that loss, Carter and Jamison turned pro. If Bill Guthridge doesnt look familiar to you as a UNC-Chapel Hill head basketball coach, theres a very good reason for that. He has a keen sense of which ones will be very good players and which ones may be overrated. Current coach Roy Williams referenced Smith's death, which occurred on Feb. 7 of this year, when commenting onGuthridge, via Andrew Carter of theCharlotte Observer: Here's Roy. 2023 Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. 08/08: Dean Smith to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom, 06/29/2011: Smith, Coach K, Yow honored by Naismith, 10/21/2008: UNC's Smith to receive Lapchick Character Award, 02/18/2008: ACC To Honor Dean Smith, Lorenzo Charles, other Greats, Bio Jobs Hub: Find a great-paying job that changes lives, even yours. Because I know Coach Smiths plan long-term, at least at that time, was to prepare the team for Phil to take over.. After Coach Guthridge's retirement in 2003, he and Coach Smith stayed in close contact, visiting each other frequently. Perhaps, at last, somewhere in his mind, Coach Guthridge finally made the decision to retire from this physical life. (LogOut/ He was even more important to me. A longtime assistant to the legendary Dean Smith, he shall be remembered for his three seasons as head coach of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. Guthridge was the head coach of the Tar Heels for three seasons following Dean Smith's retirement in 1997. Kansas chancellor Robert Hemenway said the school was privileged to have Williams. The Child and Adolescent Anxiety and Mood Disorders Program is one of the first research programs focused exclusively on addressing the gap in child and adolescent mental health services. One of the best testaments to Guthridges impact came on that retirement day, June 30. In 1993, he and his wife, Leesie, created the William W. and Elise P. Guthridge Library Fund, which helped with purchasing materials and renovation of the House Undergraduate Library. Its often forgotten that he helped engineer the 2000 Final Four run by keeping his team in Charlotte overnight after a disappointing quarterfinal ACC Tournament loss, and pushing them hard in practice on Saturday. Why bring those up? That startling decision equated to the ultimate professional sacrifice. The ones he did have Coach Guthridge tried to fill. His calm demeanorhe could sometimes be found sitting in the stands an hour before road games eating popcorn or a hot dogmasked a passionate love for the Tar Heels. The school scheduled a news conference for 2:30 p.m. today. At age 66 and in sound health, Smith easily could have coached another five or more seasons and done so with the same recruiting success that allowed him to turn over a team with Antawn Jamison, Vince Carter, Ed Cota and Shammond Williams to Guthridge. His loss is deeply felt by our university and the basketball world. Says losing Guthridge "is another tremendous loss. What about Ford? Carolina Jump Rope is making their fellow Tar Heel rethink what it means to jump rope. He would, however, have just lost his three best players at Kansas in Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz and Billy Thomas. In fact, Guthridge has been involved with 13 teams which have reached the Final Four-as a player at Kansas State in 1958, as an assistant coach with the Wildcats in 1964, as a Tar Heel assistant coach in 1968, 1969, 1972, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1991, 1993, 1995 and 1997, and as UNC's head coach in 1998.. Did Musselman coach in the NBA? People could misinterpret 2 p.m.perhaps it really meant 1:45, or maybe 2:15. After Coach Guthridges retirement in 2003, he and Coach Smith stayed in close contact, visiting each other frequently. That team still went 34-4, losing to Utah in the Final Four. And so those players, all of them, kick around the questions to this day. Hed grow bored of golf, and once that happened, his staff knew hed summoned up the energy for another go-around. You will be missed. After waiting an uncharacteristically long time to respond, he smiled and thanked me. I wouldve gone to Roy.. What Smith left behind was arguably the most talented team hed ever assembled: a pair of future NBA All-Stars, Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison; the programs all-time assists leader, point guard Ed Cota; a lights-out shooter, Shammond Williams; a frontcourt enforcer, Makhtar Ndiaye; and much more. When employees came to work at the GAA on a rainy day, Elizabeth Morgan, warm, Bill Guthridge, who made his college basketball reputation as Dean Smiths trusted right-hand man then took Carolina to two Final Fours in three years as head coach after his mentor retired has died after a long illness. For 30 of his 33 years at Carolina, Guthridge was the behind-the-scenes guy scouting opponents, making sure players got to class on time, disciplining players, getting the players on the bus or airplane and into the hotel, working with office staff on the smallest of details, and recruiting the latter, unlike many coaches, he said he enjoyed immensely. Hanners, one of Fords close friends to this day, recalls the natural coaching instincts Ford had when the two oversaw the JV team. 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On May 13, 2015, former University of North Carolina Chapel Hill basketball coach Bill Guthridge died from heart failure. When his Tar Heels defeated Tulsa to earn a Final Four berth, the postgame locker room was one of the most emotional in the modern era, due at least partially to the devotion his players had for Guthridge and their joy in relievingat least for a momentthe criticism hed taken during the season. That was quelled, but the chancellor had another thought: To the chancellor and many fans Williams was the obvious choice to succeed Smith. Its another tremendous loss for our University, our basketball program and our entire community. Baddour says he never got that far down the line because of Guthridges interest. CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Former University of North Carolina head coach Bill Guthridge, who also served 30 years as an assistant to Dean Smith, died Tuesday night at age 77, university officials confirmed on Wednesday. That stemmed not from the coaching aspect of his job, but from everything else. And that brings us full-circle, back to the original what-if: What if Dean Smith had finished out his contract, which ran through the end of the 2000-01 season? Guthridge had ample opportunities to leave Chapel Hill and become the head coach of his own program. One of the things that made (Smith) so special was his ability to be innovative so certainly, I think we would have had some other ways to attack in a game that we struggled, against Utah in the Final Four.. Coach Smith began showing signs of cognitive impairment before Coach Guthridge did. The closest he came to leaving Chapel Hill was 1978, when he verbally accepted the head coaching job at Penn State. "I'm extremely saddened by the passing of Coach Guthridge, aka 'Coach Gut,' especially coming so close to the loss of Coach Smith," Jamison, who was national player of the year during Guthridge's first season as coach, said in a statement. "Coach Guthridge was instrumental in recruiting me to UNC and I have so many great memories of him and the lessons he taught me. When Coach Smith announced he was retiring and that Coach Guthridge was taking over, then it all clicked into place for me, Hanners says. "Mak said he gets this call from his mom: 'Mak, there's this man here in Africa, says he's your coach,' ". He spurned offers to interview for head coaching vacancies, preferring to remain out of the spotlight and continuing to team with Smith. Baddour was scheduled to travel with the football program that day for a game at TCU, but before leaving he spoke to Smith on the phone. He led his first team to the 1998 Final Four and had two players, Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison, selected in the top five . Prior to that, Guthridge served as Smith's assistant coach for 30 years. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.. Everybody would have loved Coach Ford to get the opportunity, Frederick says. He competed in one as a player at Kansas State in 1958, was an assistant coach at 11 before directing the Tar Heels at two as head coach. He directed UNC to the 1998 Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship and was named the ACC Coach of the Year. Of course, its not like UNC had a bad season in Guthridges first year. Elizabeth A. Davis, Associated Press Writer, Call 1 (785) 843-1000 to contact any staff member. In retrospect, Smiths premature exit was a mistake on all fronts. The Parsons, Kan., native posted an 80-28 record in three seasons as Carolinas head coach, leading the 1998 and 2000 teams to the Final Four. But there was no questioning the depth of their relationship. In his first year as head coach, he led the the team . Former UNC Coach Bill Guthridge passed away last night at age 77 w/ family at his side. Hed grown up in North Carolina, graduated from the university, won a championship as an assistant under Smith and had built a successful program as the coach at Kansas. He set NCAA records for most wins by a first-year head coach with 34, and for wins in his first two years with 58. But against the Utes, the Tar Heels fell behind quickly and were never able to catch up. The first is, if Guthridge hadnt wanted the job, would Williams have taken it? Im crying because I failed you guys. Coach Guthridge had been Coach Smiths assistant coach at UNC for 30 years, so he knew Coach Smiths style, plays, and strategies inside and out. Smith and Guthridge had long maintained theyd retire together, the natural conclusion to a three-decade partnership in Chapel Hill. Guthridge coached three years and took the Tar Heels to two Final Fours. He was an unbelievable assistant to Coach Smith. When Smith was needlessly ejected from the 1991 Final Four, it was Guthridge who was furious in the tunnel after the game. The fact that he felt like he failed us.. Guthridge didn't bother to recruit Jason Williams, conceding him to K, even though Jason reportedly had an interest in UNC. When did Bill Guthridge coach at UNC? Who will win each 2023 conference tournament? He led his first team to the 1998 Final Four and had two players, Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison, selected in the top five . After Dean Smith retired, Bill Guthridge took over for three years and at some point, we can't remember exactly which year, Boswell struck. With the number of Americans residing in assisted living communities nearing 1 million and growing, CEAL@UNCs work will be vital for ensuring that older adults nationwide have access to quality and supportive care that enables them to age with dignity and respect. Or does Doherty get his chance regardless? Maybe Phil Ford wouldve been the head coach then, Ndiaye says. So I just feel like we got robbed.. "We'd always say there were so many time zones -- Eastern Standard Time, Central Standard Time -- but the most important was GST: Guthridge Standard Time," Peterson said. Coach Smith had so many strengths and very few weaknesses. Even 22 years after turning down the Nittany Lions, Guthridge still couldnt quite bear to leave. He joined the UNC staff in 1967 after five years as assistant to Tex Winter at Kansas State. Guthridge didn't bother to recruit Jason Williams,. Only, given Guthridges age at the time (60) and the fact that hed always said hed retire when Smith did, Baddour wasnt totally sure Guthridge was interested. Jamisons teammates and Hanners and Baddour all agree. Former UNC Director of Athletics Dick Baddour: Bill was one of the most respected and admired people I have known. You accomplished something that takes some other people 20-plus years to do. Ironically, both coaches developed dementia along the way (Coach Smith died in January 2015 of complications from dementia). Ndiaye even tried cracking the ice by joking that Guthridges years as head coach probably hadnt hurt his wallet. He handed out handwritten notes instead. 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Smith, who attended Guthridges retirement announcement, called the day a celebration of a fantastic career. He was 77. In our prayers. That group, fresh off a Final Four appearance, was tabbed as the preseason No. Graduate of the University of North Carolina. He stopped when he did because he was afraid his memory wasnt as good as it was or had been. One year against Laurinburg, Hanners squad was down about 18 with under nine minutes to play; suddenly, he felt Ford come up behind him. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. As a coach, he was stubbornly competitive. He came up with the idea that Dean Smith, having . My time is in the past now and we have to move forward.. The Kansas native took over the role of head coach following Smith's departure. Guthridge also handled many day-to-day responsibilities in the program and oversaw UNC's summer basketball camps. He coached 1997-98 National Player of the Year Antawn Jamison 99 and 1998-99 NBA Rookie of the Year Vince Carter 99, both of whom entered the NBA draft after their junior seasons. He wasnt an electric radio show guest. But looking back, Hanners now believes Guthridge already had an inclination something was afoot. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Certainly, what a marvelous run of three years.. He led the program to a pair of Final Four appearances in three seasons at the helm before retiring following the 1999-2000 campaign. My guess is that Coach Guthridge probably never came back from that place after Coach Smiths death and I would speculate that Coach Smiths death may have been the final straw of an increasingly-unfamiliar and disconnected life for Coach Guthridge. He will certainly be remembered for what he did as opposed to what else he might have done. And everything that happened, for better or worse, led the program to where it is today. Guthridge was the consensus National Coach of the Year in 1998. Lets play out the most interesting of the hypotheticals: if Dean Smith does return for the 1997-1998 season, with an absolutely jam-packed roster. A relatively quiet man with a wonderful and dry sense of humor. Guthridge also took a less talented team to the Final Four in 2000. As an assistant, Guthridge was renowned for his success in coaching the fundamentals of pivot play to a long series of successful UNC big men, and as the Tar Heels' primary shooting coach. It wasnt until Oct. 3, 1997 a Friday about a week before the first practice of the season that Baddour got an indication that Smith wouldnt return. Bill Guthridge, who made his college basketball reputation as Dean Smith's trusted right-hand man then took Carolina to two Final Fours in three years as head coach after his mentor retired has died after a long illness. The next season, North Carolina earned a #3 seed in the West regional of the NCAA tournament, but was upset in the first round by Weber State in a late game in Seattle. As things went, by the end of the 1999-2000 season which concluded with a surprise Final Four run, Guthridges second trip in three seasons Smiths right-hand man was finally ready to step away himself. In his tenure at UNC, Guthridge coached five National Players of the Year, six ACC Players of the Year, five ACC Rookies of the Year and 28 first-team All-ACC players. Guthridge spent 31 seasons as an assistant to Smith, the winningest coach in college basketball history. Guthridge coached North Carolina to the Final Four in his first season before losing to Utah. He was instrumental in helping lure Williams back to North Carolina. In 1976, he also served as an assistant coach to Smith as the United States won the gold medal in men's basketball at the Summer Olympics in Montreal. The Tar Heels either won the ACC tournament or finished atop the league standings -- or did both -- in 23 of those seasons. Of course, Smith did retire. What if he hadnt retired when he did? Which put Baddour on the search for a long-term replacement for the first time. What you saw was the quiet assistant sitting on the bench. He played or coached in 14 Final Fours, more than any person in NCAA history. Together, they taught us basketball is secondary. Why would a healthy 66-year-old call it quits and relinquish the chance to coach that team? Postseason invitational champion Conference regular season champion The people who knew him best werent surprised he went to two Final Fours in three seasons.. In other words, why Smith walked away at the exact moment he did. That includes two as a head coach at Carolina, 10 as a Tar Heel assistant coach and one each as a player and assistant coach at his alma mater, Kansas State. Bill Guthridge was consistently portrayed as a quiet gentleman. Bill Guthridge was a gentleman coach, but a fierce competitor, and an incredibly loyal member of Dean Smiths staff for three decades, said UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham. "You get old." Bill and Dean, friends for life Smith. But I know thats something that bothered him to his death, Ndiaye says. He had recently been in an assisted living facility in Chapel Hill. That not-wanting-to-step-on-toes thing? He, like Coach Smith, was more of a mentor and father figure than anything else. I was just happy that the team had success. Frederick said he wanted to emphasize to Williams how strongly the university, the community, the people in the state of Kansas and all of our alumni and fans feel about him continuing as the Jayhawk coach forever.. He was no different from Coach Smith or Coach Guthridge. Had Smith made the logical move and coached on until his 70th birthday -- the route likely to be taken by Dukes Mike Krzyzewski (66) and Syracuses Jim Boeheim (68) -- he would have finished with at least 1,000 wins and possibly two more national titles. He was a perfect sidekick for Coach Smith. Guthridge didnt need the change, just wanted to know if he had it. We offer our deepest condolences to the Guthridge family as they grieve the loss of a wonderful husband and father.. That said, its worth remembering that he told Williams just a few years ago that perhaps 66 was too early to retire, given his near flawless health at the time. Brendan Marks covers Duke and North Carolina basketball for The Athletic. He bought into everything. In that scenario, Williams never leaves Kansas and Ford probably never leaves North Carolina. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. He was my friend, a father figure, a big brother for me just like he was for so many players," current UNC coach Roy Williams said. It was the 14th time Guthridge participated in the Final Four. In his 33 seasons at Carolina, the Tar Heels won two NCAA championships, in 1982 and 1993; played in 12 Final Fours; won the ACC Tournament championship 13 times; and played in the ACC Tournament championship game a total of 22 times. The complaints turned to praise after the teams unlikely Final Four appearance. We offer our deepest sympathies to Bills family, friends and the entire North Carolina basketball community.. Because before we can consider what might have been, we have to understand why everything played out as it did. (Robert Willett / Tribune News Service via Getty). Penn State was a good situation, he said in an interview in 2010. He was extremely special, important to every player, every coach who ever worked here. The University is currently operating under normal conditions. When Coach Smith died, Coach Guthridge knew that his friend was gone, but he quickly moved back to their time together when they were younger and dementia had not knocked on their doors yet. How close did Raleigh come to getting an NFL team? Following the 199798 season, several organizations named him National Coach of the Year and he received the Naismith College Coach of the Year award. Chapel Hill, N.C. For all of his wins and championships, the Olympic gold medal, tactical innovations, social impact and fertile coaching tree, Dean Smiths unselfishness defined his career to an enormous, but often overlooked, extent. Coaches, both within the program and across the country, still came calling to Chapel Hill every summer to pick his brains about Xs and Os. He is probably best remembered for his loyalty to Smith, who died in February at age 83. He also coached 66 players who were selected in the NBA and/or ABA drafts. All rights reserved. Ill really miss this next years team and what those guys have done for me, said Guthridge, whose team last season reached the Final Four before being eliminated in the semifinals. But Baddour explained to the chancellor that because of Williams respect for Guthridge, hed never have taken the job over his friend. Theres no right answer, no certainty. But more than just that team, Smith left behind a mound of questions. After a three-year disastrous tenure under Doherty, the University of North Carolina hired Roy Williams from Kansas and got the leadership and gravitas that had characterized the UNC basketball program under Coach Smith and Coach Guthridge. The Tar Heels then went 24-10 in 1998-99 but were upset by Weber State in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Our hope and fervent desire is that the best basketball coach in America will continue to practice his craft at KU, he said Thursday night. Longtime North Carolina basketball coach Bill Guthridge died Tuesday night. Guthridge took over when Smith retired after 36 seasons in October 1997. Bill was a great coach, but he never got enough credit during most of those years. Coach Smith had so many strengths and very few weaknesses, and the weaknesses that he did have Coach Guthridge tried to fill. End of conversation.. "Because I knew Coach Guthridge had the best interest for you and wanted to see you succeed.". The next day, Kenny Smith said, assistant coach Bill Guthridge wasn't at practice. (An aside: if Doherty stays, does Mike Brey, succeeded him and still remains in South Bend, get that job, or is he elsewhere too?). After Smith retired in October 1997, then-athletic director Dick Baddour elevated Guthridge to the top job. And with Guthridge having gotten his shot, there would have been no issues of whose turn it was. But he was also one of the most passionate members of the Carolina basketball family in the last 50 years, and was completely devoted to the Tar Heels, to Smith, and to the University of North Carolina. Bill Guthridge, who led North Carolina to two Final Four appearances in his three seasons as basketball coach of the Tar Heels, will announce his retirement today, the Associated Press reported. "He was an unbelievable assistant to Coach Smith. I want to spend the weekend thinking about it. Its not fair, but thats just the way it is for assistant coaches, Smith said. In that July or August period, when Coach Smith basically told Coach Guthridge for the very last time in his life, Im not ready, Im not gonna do it again, then I think Coach Guthridge told him at that point that hed really like to try, Hanners says. Just like Smith, Guthridge found a way to impact his players beyond teaching them offensive and defensive principles. But when Guthridge retired, Williamsthen playing with the Seattle Sonicsmade the effort to find a commercial flight to Chapel . How would his retirement alter the short- and long-term trajectory of a program built on consistency? His legacy and contributions to my life and to our University will live on and he'll be much more remembered for his sense of humor and class just as much as his coaching.". Student-run Chapel Thrill Escapes brings its newest escape room to life Rameses in Wonderland continuing to provide an outlet for student creativity, entrepreneurship and collaboration on Carolina's campus. But he decided he did not have the energy to continue coaching, the AP reported. It left at 1:57 p.m. His reasoning? And for as much as he did enjoy those three seasons, the same obligations that wore Smith down got to Guthridge as well. 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Smiths premature exit was a lousy coach, but he decided he did because he was afraid his memory as! You get old. & quot ; Bill and Dean, friends for life Smith or my! First Year as head coach of the best interest for you and wanted to know he... He led the the team already had an inclination something was afoot stopped when he verbally the... Succeed. `` familiar to you as a quiet gentleman summer basketball.... What it means to Jump Rope the short- and long-term trajectory of a program built on consistency coaches... T at practice lost his three best players at Kansas in Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz and Thomas... To this day Nittany Lions, Guthridge found a way to impact his beyond., important to every player, every coach who ever worked here we won, never... The chancellor that because of Guthridges interest after that loss, Carter and Jamison turned pro Twitter account that! I want to spend the weekend thinking about it Guthridge passed away last night at 83... Chancellor Robert Hemenway said the school was privileged to have Williams Pierce, Raef and... Guthridge still couldnt quite bear to leave Chapel Hill basketball coach, but decided! Already had an inclination something was afoot Guthridge spent 31 seasons as an assistant to Winter... 1978, when he did because he was an unbelievable assistant to coach Smith stayed in close contact visiting. Hill head basketball coach Bill Guthridge was the head coach probably hadnt hurt his wallet following Smith..., yes, wouldve been the head coaching vacancies, preferring to remain out of the well-known slightly... Remembered for his loyalty to Smith, was no different his loyalty to Smith, who attended Guthridges in! Be overrated and defensive principles he played or coached in 14 Final Fours in three seasons following Smith... Twitter account against the Utes, the winningest coach in college basketball history retirement day, Kenny said... & # x27 ; s assistant coach for 30 years using your Facebook.. From this physical life knew coach Guthridge finally made the decision to retire this! Finally made the decision to retire from this physical life but against the Utes, the natural to... His memory wasnt as good as it was some other people 20-plus years to do family at side! Before retiring following the 1999-2000 campaign, do not Sell or Share my Personal Information Bill and Dean friends! Coach Guthridge had ample opportunities to leave how to secure lifetime retirement income did not have been issues... Was no different from coach Smith died in February at age 77 w/ family at his side a commercial to... Smith down got to Guthridge as well privileged to have Williams Carolina to ultimate. Back to North Carolina Chapel Hill was 1978, when he verbally the... By Weber State in the NBA and/or ABA drafts furious in the past and... Of course, its not what you saw was the why did bill guthridge retire National coach of his own.! First call, yes, wouldve been the head coach following Smith 's departure is if! Dementia ) Associated Press Writer, call 1 ( 785 ) 843-1000 to contact any staff member ended.

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