SMU head coach Tim Jankovich announces retirement

After nearly four decades in coaching, Tim Jankovich announced Tuesday that he is retiring. He has been the head coach at SMU since 2016, going 125-64 over the stretch and going to the postseason three times (1 NCAA, 2 NIT).

“Basketball has been at the center of my life since the 8th grade, including 39 years in college coaching,” Jankovich said. “I have loved and cherished every minute of it. But with those incredible memories has come tremendous sacrifice. I find myself at a stage in life where I no longer can in good conscience make the necessary sacrifices that this position demands. I feel a strong pull to spend more time with the people whom I have unfortunately neglected the most over the years – my dad, my family and my friends. This is why I have decided to step down and retire from my position as head basketball coach. We have loved our time here at SMU and will cherish our memories forever.”

Jankovich (62) arrived at SMU in 2016 to work under Larry Brown and inherited the team in July 2016 after having covered for Brown for nine games the previous season (9-0). Prior to SMU, Jankovich had spent five seasons as the head coach at Illinois State (104-64 overall). He’s also been the head coach at North Texas and Independence CC (KS) and an assistant at a number of programs under some legendary names, including Eddie Sutton, Jack Hartman, and Bill Self.

“I am grateful to Tim for his loyal service to SMU,” said AD Rick Hart. “He elevated Mustang basketball on and off the court during his time on the Hilltop. Tim led our program with class, integrity and a commitment to our institutional values. He and his staff are tremendous coaches and have earned my admiration and respect. On behalf of SMU, I want to thank them and their families for their years of service to our University.”

credit to SMU Athletics for the image