UMBC women’s basketball head coach Phil Stern will remain with the Retrievers’ program, Dr. Charles Brown, director of athletics, announced. Stern briefly accepted a position as associate head coach at Seton Hall under new head coach Anthony Bozzella, but has since decided to stay at UMBC.

“I regret the way this decision transpired. While the position at Seton Hall presented a new challenge, this process once again reminded me of what a vibrant and supportive community UMBC is,” Coach Stern said. “I am deeply committed to the amazing student athletes I have the privilege to coach here and am more excited than ever about the future of our program at UMBC.”

“I also wish Coach Bozzella and the Seton Hall program the best,” Stern said.

“Coach Stern’s decision is a testament to the strong community at UMBC, and we are pleased he has decided to continue as head coach here,” Dr. Brown said. “He has shown his support for the Retrievers and commitment to our student athletes in numerous ways over the years. We look forward to many successful seasons with Coach Stern at the helm of the program.”

Stern will return for his 12th season at the helm of the UMBC women’s basketball program after leading the Retrievers to their second-highest seed ever in the America East Championships in 2012-13.

Since taking over the Retrievers’ program prior to the 2002-03 season, Stern has brought UMBC to three conference tournament championship games. In 2007, UMBC’s America East Tournament Championship team made its way into the record books, becoming the first team in the league’s history to defeat the top three teams in the America East standings en route to winning the conference championship. Stern also led the Retrievers to their first-ever America East regular season title in 2011.