KANSAS CITY, Mo. — William Jewell men's basketball coach Larry Holley will retire after four decades at the school.
Holley was named head coach in 1979 and since then has been the model of success. During his tenure, he has led the program to 830 wins, 12 conference titles, 14 NAIA National Tournament appearances and four Final Fours.
"I have always said that William Jewell was the perfect place for me as a student and it's been the perfect place for me as a coach," said Holley in a release from the school. "This has been my home for 44 of my 73 years. It has been a privilege and honor to coach the Cardinals for the past 40 years."
During his career as a college coach, the 1967 William Jewell graduate has earned 916 wins. That makes him the winningest coach in the state of Missouri and ninth among men's coaches at all levels of college basketball.
"I am thankful for the opportunity I've had to work alongside Coach Holley as a coach and administrator," said Athletic Director Tom Eisenhauer in a release. "His love of the game and passion for Jewell is surpassed only by the love and passion he has for his family. I've always admired his uncanny ability to befriend anyone he meets by making a connection with them. I wish Coach nothing but the best in retirement and hope he knows how much he'll be missed around here."
Holley has been inducted into five halls of fame and has earned coach of the year honors 15 times.
The school will hold a recognition of Holley's career during his final home game on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m.
William Jewell will begin a national search for Holley's replacement.
