Gary Williams formally announced his retirement as the Maryland basketball head coach in a news conference at the Comcast Center, attended by media and several hundred fans. Williams was moved to the verge of tears several times, and said he had contemplated the decision for a couple years before making it.
Gary Williams Announces Retirement In Press Conference, Says It Was ‘Not A Quick Decision’
"This is my decision," he said to begin. "I've read a lot of rumors things it, in fact. But it's not a quick decision. It's been a decision I've thought about for a while."
Williams said he was leaving because he wanted to try to do some other things, saying he felt healthy and was conscious of coaches who stay too long. He said that Jordan Williams’ departure had nothing to do with his decision, and that it was just time for him to try something else.
"I feel like I still could coach," he said. "But at the same time, you realize there are other things out there. This gives me a chance, while I'm relatively healthy, to do some things."
"I've had my time. I had a job for 43 years in coaching. How many coaches have been able to do that."
He said he would help athletic director Kevin Anderson’s search for a replacement in whatever way he could, and promoted the job itself when asked.
"We play in a great league. Check who has won the most national championships the last 10 years and check who's won the most NCAA Tourney games in last 20 years. That's where we live," he said.
Prior to Williams’ remarks, University president Wallace Loh said he will move to name the Comcast Center floor after Williams. When asked about that, Williams paused for several seconds.
"It's a great honor," he said. "I've had some really good people help with that, which I really appreciate. I'm fortunate in terms of time to be able to coach here as long as I have. At the same time, when that happens, hopefully a lot of people fell the same way that they were responsible for that happening."
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