Francis Marion University athletic officials announced the resignation of women’s basketball head coach Jay Sparks. Sparks cited family reasons for his departure.

"I hate to leave our current players and recruits, but this is something I have to do for my family," Sparks said. "If you keep your priorities in order, then family should come first.

"I want to thank (FMU president) Dr. (Fred) Carter and (athletic director) Murray (Hartzler) for the opportunity to return to the coaching arena. I am sorry that I will not be able to see through to fruition the vision that we have created for the Francis Marion program."

Hartzler announced that a nationwide search for Sparks’ successor would begin immediately.

Hartzler added, "We understand and accept coach Sparks’ decision and wish him the best as he moves on."

Sparks guided the Patriots through a rebuilding year this past season – his only year in Florence. Eight of the team’s losses were by six points or less, and freshmen accounted for 56 percent of the team’s offense.

Prior to taking the FMU position, Sparks had been the athletic director at Columbus State University for six years after leaving the coaching bench in 2009 to move into athletic administration. His 21-year career coaching record stands at 375-251, including ten 20-win seasons and PBC Coach of the Year recognition three times (1994, 1998, 2001).

The Francis Marion program has an all-time record of 811-427 in 42 seasons and ranks among the Top 10 among all NCAA Division II institutions in total wins. The Patriots have captured two national championships, the 1982 AIAW Division II title and the 1986 NAIA title, and also advanced to the 1998 NCAA Division II Final Four. The program made five straight NCAA Division II Tournament appearances between 1997 and 2001, and four consecutive appearances between 2008 and 2011.

Stay with HoopDirt for the latest college basketball coaching news and rumors.