Feb. 19, 2007
MARIETTA, Ohio — Doug Foote's 15-year tenure as the head coach of the Marietta College men's basketball program ended Monday (Feb. 19) afternoon when he submitted his resignation to Athletics Director Debbie Lazorik.

The Pioneers closed out the 2006-07 season with a 74-68 loss to Baldwin-Wallace on Saturday (Feb. 17). Marietta finished 5-20.

"We appreciate all of the time and hard work that Doug gave to us during his 15 seasons at Marietta College, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors," Lazorik said. "Doug and his staff have been working hard on the recruiting trail and it is important that those recruits know we are going to be diligent and expeditious in finding the best possible replacement that we can."

Lazorik said a nationwide search for a new head coach would begin immediately. Assistant basketball coach Mike Snell, who is also the men's head tennis coach, will remain on staff to keep the program moving forward during the search process.

"I can't begin to describe how much I have appreciated the support of the Foster Parent program, Pioneer Basketball family, Marietta College community and the city of Marietta over the last 15 years," said Foote. "My family and I have sincerely enjoyed our time in Marietta and want to extend our thanks to all of those who have made us welcome in the Mid-Ohio Valley."

Foote, who went 147-288 with the Pioneers, matched Frank Hayes, who coached from 1927-42, for the second longest tenure in Marietta's 103-year history of men's basketball. Phil Roach, who led the Pioneers from 1970-89, was the longest coach to hold the position; he coached 19 seasons.

Foote guided the Pioneers to the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament championship game in 1995-96, only to fall by one point in the title game against Baldwin-Wallace. Then in 1997-98, the Pioneers neared the pinnacle again as they upset top-seeded John Carroll to advance to the OAC Final Four.

However, Foote's best record came during the 1999-2000 season when the Pioneers went 17-8. The past three seasons have been a struggle as Marietta went a combined 12-63.

Foote was instrumental in bringing the "Dream to Read" and Coaches vs. Cancer programs to Marietta College, both of which have directly benefited the Marietta community.

After receiving his bachelor's degree from Kentucky Christian and Morehead State in 1983, Foote began his coaching career at Breckenridge University High School in Kentucky. He also coached at Lynchburg-Clay High School in Highland, Ohio.

As a high school coach, Foote had a 59-29 record, winning three consecutive sectional championships. He was named Highland County Coach of the Year in 1984. Foote entered the college ranks at Rio Grande in Ohio as an assistant men's coach for two years, before becoming head women's coach for three years. In 1991, Foote was named the Mid-Ohio Conference Coach of the Year, and in his three years, he accumulated a 65-29 record, including a conference championship.

Doug Foote resigned Monday after 15 years with the Marietta College men's basketball team