According to a release issued by the Alabama athletic department, Gottfried resigned after meeting with athletic director Mal Moore. Assistant coach Philip Pearson will take over as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
“My number one priority is to do what is best for the University of Alabama, this basketball program, and these young men,” Gottfried said in the release. “Mal and I sat down today and we talked. At that point, I notified him of my intention to resign as head coach of the men’s basketball program. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity and the privilege to lead our men's basketball program at Alabama for the past 10 and a half seasons.
"It has been a wonderful decade for me and my family, and I love the University of Alabama, but I feel that it is in the best interests of everyone involved. I want to thank our players, their families, our coaching staff and their families, and our great fans for all of their support over these last 11 seasons."
Gottfried, 45, had been Alabama's coach since the 1998-99 season, compiling a record of 210-131 in 10-plus seasons. The former Alabama point guard coached the Crimson Tide to five straight NCAA tournament berths — including the 2004 Elite Eight — from 2002-06, but seemed destined to miss out on the tournament for the third straight season this year after getting off to a 2-3 start in Southeastern Conference play (12-7 overall) headed into Thursday's game at Arkansas.
Moore said the move was Gottfried's decision.
“I accepted coach Gottfried’s resignation," Moore said. "I respect Mark's decision and will begin immediately working on a permanent replacement. I agreed with him that it is in the best interests of the men’s basketball program for us to move in a different direction. I want to extend my sincerest best wishes to Mark and his family, along with my personal thanks to Mark for his many years of dedicated service to our men’s basketball program.
“Out of respect for our players, I will make no further comment on coach Gottfried’s decision. I want to extend my complete support to our players and our coaching staff, which will be headed by interim head coach Philip Pearson. We fully expect them to compete hard the rest of this season and I ask our loyal fans to rally in support of these coaches and players over the coming weeks of SEC play.
“Our process towards finding a new head coach will begin immediately. Out of respect for our players and coaches, I will not comment on the progress of our search until it has concluded."
Pearson, 37, had been on Gottfried's staff all 14 years of his head-coaching career, going back to their days together at Murray State. Pearson and select Alabama players are expected to meet with the media after practice.
