Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Head Coach Eddie Sutton Announces Retirement
May 19, 2006 | Cowboy Basketball
“It has been my honor and privilege to be the head basketball coach at Oklahoma State University for the past 16 years.
However, after much thought and consideration, I have concluded that it is time for me to retire. My retirement will be effective on June 30th of this year.
I continue to have both the energy and enthusiasm for the job I do. I feel better now than I have felt in four or five years. This decision is simply about what is best for me and for the basketball program at Oklahoma State.
The timing for this announcement is so there will be adequate time for the transition that needs to take place with Sean as the Head Coach Designate and what he and his staff need to accomplish this summer.
It is my unwavering belief that Sean will continue the winning tradition in the basketball program that I have been fortunate to be a part of during my tenure here.
As for me, there is still much to accomplish.
I have agreed to take on a new project in conjunction with the University. It will aid in the establishment of a new program of alcohol education and support. I am excited about this opportunity and feel it will be something of lasting value and benefit to our university community, Stillwater and to the State of Oklahoma.
We have been through a lot over the past 16 years.
From the highs of the Final Fours to the grief and despair of the plane crash in 2001 when we lost 10 members of our basketball family.
There is not a day goes by that I don't remember those 10 remarkable men and the contributions they made to our team and to our lives.
It is my hope that as a basketball family, we will always hold these men dear in our hearts and commit ourselves to praying for their families. I know I will. That was a very difficult time, but, as a family we came together and got through it.
It is now time for us to come together as a family again and support a new era in Cowboy Basketball.
The program is in good hands and the future is exciting. Perhaps more exciting than at any time in the past. If given your support, I believe Sean can take this program to even greater heights.
He has the tools, knowledge and experience to continue the tradition of excellence that has been established at OSU.
Hopefully, the Cowboy family will support him and this team as never before.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the coaches and staff I have had the honor to work with over the past 40 years. My success is directly related to the talent and work ethic of the many assistant coaches and loyal staff members standing with me and beside me.
To Sean, James, Jimmy and Kyle, I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart. You have put forth extraordinary effort. I love you guys and wish you nothing but the best.
I am also grateful to the many student-athletes I have coached over my career. The relationships that I have made with these young men are ones I will forever cherish.
You have given me memories to take with me that are incomparable.
In addition, I want to thank the alumni, fans and students of this great university. Your support and encouragement have meant the world to me.
And, finally to my family. You will never know how much your love and support have meant to me through all these years.
To my wife, Patsy, who has endured the trials and tribulations of a coach's wife, I want you to know how much I appreciate you and love you for all you have done.
To my sons, Sean, Scott and Steve. Know your Dad is proud of each of you and the paths that you have taken in life. I love you guys and will always be there for you.
I also want to recognize my grandchildren for the joy and good times you have provided.
I will miss the rowdiest arena in the country and the tradition that began with Mr. Iba.
But, as we all know, “to every thing there is a season, and time to every purpose.”
I have had my time, and what a time it was.
But, now it is over. It is time to move forward for the greater good.
I close with a familiar phrase I have used many times. “Always have faith in God, Yourself and the Cowboys.”
David Schmidly, OSU System CEO and President
“I have received Coach Sutton's letter expressing his desire to retire as Head Basketball Coach at Oklahoma State University and turn the reins over to his son Sean. We respect Coach Sutton's decision.
“The past couple months, Coach has been focusing on addressing his health problems. We are pleased he has done so and he can be assured my thoughts and prayers remain with him and his family.
“There is no doubt Coach Sutton has done more than one can ever imagine to return OSU basketball to elite status among Division I programs. The OSU family will be forever grateful for what he has accomplished with the program and we will always be appreciative for his compassion and thoughtful leadership following the OSU plane crash, one of the saddest periods in our university's history.
“Coach Sutton is a winner and we wish him only the best and I know he looks forward to cheering on the Cowboys and his son Sean, who did an incredible job leading and coaching the team the latter part of the season during a challenging time. Coach Sutton leaves the program in excellent hands and with quality players – the future is very promising.”
Mike Holder, OSU Vice President for Athletics
“Coach Sutton is an OSU Cowboy in every way. His devotion to OSU and admiration for his mentor Coach Iba inspired him and he built a championship caliber basketball program as a result.
“I know this was a difficult decision and I commend Coach Sutton for his courage to make a decision that is in the best interest of OSU and our basketball program. Our basketball program is on solid footing thanks to Coach Sutton's hard work and coaching abilities.
“As we look ahead, we are excited about the prospects for our basketball program under the direction of Head Coach Sean Sutton and his capable staff. Cowboy fans everywhere appreciate the outstanding job Sean did last season. I have the utmost confidence in Sean and he has my complete support. We have a great group of student-athletes on our basketball team and Sean and his staff can recruit the best to OSU. Great things are in store for OSU basketball.”
