A former SEC head coach is resigning unexpectedly on Saturday.

During the AAC quarterfinals, Tulsa lost to SMU on Friday. It dropped the Golden Hurricane to 11-20 on the year and well out of the field for the NCAA Tournament.

Following the loss, Tulsa head coach Frank Haith announced his resignation in a press release on Saturday after 8 seasons with the program. Haith joined the Golden Hurricane after 3 seasons at Missouri.

“I have enjoyed my time at The University of Tulsa and coaching the many young men who have made us proud as student-athletes and as they have gone on to live their lives after college,” said Haith. “My family and I will cherish the memories we have made here at the university and in the community.

“I have loved coaching these young men over the last eight years and the chance to build long-lasting relationships with them. The friendships that Pam and I have with so many in the community will always remain special to us. We thank the community for being supportive of our program and my family.”

Haith specifically pointed out the past 2 seasons and the struggles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic:

“The last two years have been extremely challenging in moving the program forward with the onslaught of COVID,” explained Haith.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that was bestowed on me by President Steadman Upham and Dr. Derrick Gragg back in 2014. I wish the university and the basketball program the very best in the future.”

Haith finished 138-108 overall at Tulsa and had a 76-28 record at Missouri with 2 trips to the NCAA Tournament with the Tigers.