University of Alabama Director of Athletics Bill Battle announced on Monday that Crimson Tide women’s basketball head coach Wendell Hudson has been reassigned to an administrative position within the Department of Athletics and will not return as head coach of the women’s basketball team for the 2013-14 season.
“Today’s decision is a mutual one between Wendell and me,” Battle said. “We have had several discussions over the last few weeks that led to this decision. Wendell has been an excellent ambassador for Alabama Athletics for many years and I am pleased that he will continue to serve in that manner for us while also contributing to our ongoing mission in a variety of other ways as well.”
Hudson just completed his fifth season as head coach after being hired on March 15, 2008. He took over the program following a five-year stint as associate athletics director for alumni relations at Alabama.
“I want to thank the University for the opportunity to help rebuild the women’s basketball program over the last five years,” Hudson said. “I am particularly thankful for the efforts of the young ladies that competed for us these last five seasons, in addition to the dedication of the coaches that have worked on our staff and the many people throughout the University that have provided such tremendous support over the years. I look forward to continuing to serve my school in a productive way over the next few years.”
Under Hudson’s watch, the Crimson Tide compiled a 68-87 overall record and a 14-64 mark in Southeastern Conference play, while going 1-5 in the SEC Tournament. Alabama had its most successful season during his tenure in 2010-11, finishing with an 18-15 mark and advancing to the Women’s National Invitation Tournament for the first time in nine years.
Hudson, a 1973 graduate of The University of Alabama and the first African-American scholarship student-athlete at The Capstone, played forward for the Crimson Tide from 1970-73 under then-head coach C.M. Newton. The 1973 SEC Player of the Year, Hudson finished his career with 1,326 points and 826 rebounds.
A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
