Embattled Bozeman Quits At Cal

His program under NCAA investigation and his personal integrity under attack, Todd Bozeman resigned Wednesday after 3-1/2 controversial years as basketball coach at California.

Bozeman, who led the Bears to a 63-35 record since taking over midway through the 1992-93 season when Lou Campanelli was fired, submitted his resignation during a meeting Wednesday morning with athletic director John Kasser.

Kasser, who said he sought the meeting, recommended to Bozeman that he submit his resignation. Kasser said Bozeman was “very receptive” to that recommendation.

“It came down to, in the best interest of the way things were going, he would resign at this time,” Kasser said during a news conference. “I believe you cut your losses as soon as you can.”

Kasser said he was advised by school lawyers not to comment on the reason he sought Bozeman’s resignation, but said it had nothing to do with a temporary restraining order issued last week forcing Bozeman to stay away from a former student who alleged Bozeman threatened her and made telephone calls with sexual overtones.

Bozeman didn’t attend the news conference.

Kasser confirmed Cal’s basketball program is the subject of an NCAA probe, and acknowledged “there could be a few things out there” that could attract the interest of NCAA investigators.

Kasser said a search has begun for Bozeman’s successor, though he said one of the remaining assistants also could be elevated to the coaching job.

Bozeman, 32, is known as a strong recruiter, but frequently has been criticized for his coaching ability in games.

Despite teams featuring Jason Kidd, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Lamond Murray, the Bears failed to advance beyond the first round of the NCAA tournament in any of Bozeman’s three full seasons as coach.

Three top players have defected from Cal since the end of last season.