March 12, 2001

AMHERST, Mass. - University of Massachusetts Athletic Director Bob Marcum announced today that James "Bruiser" Flint has resigned his position as head men's basketball coach, effective immediately.

"Coach Flint tendered his resignation to me this afternoon," Marcum said. "I appreciate coach Flint's 12 years of service to the University. He played a key role in one of the great turnarounds in college basketball.

"But, I believe it is time for our program to move in a new direction," Marcum added.

Flint compiled an 86-72 record during his career at UMass, including a 52-28 record in Atlantic 10 Conference play. He took three of his five teams to postseason play.

University of Massachusetts Chancellor David K. Scott said, "Coach Flint, the staff and players have much to be proud of, and I would rather focus our attention on those accomplishments. I am grateful for their contributions to the University."

The 35-year-old Flint spent seven seasons (1989-96) as an assistant coach to Calipari on the Massachusetts bench, then was tabbed as the school's 17th head basketball coach on June 8, 1996, just two days after Calipari left to become head coach of the NBA's New Jersey Nets. A 1987 graduate of St. Joseph's University, where he earned All-Atlantic 10 honors as a senior, Flint spent two seasons (1987-89) as an assistant coach at Coppin State before joining the UMass staff.