DePaul head coach Oliver Purnell resigns

DePaul announced Saturday that Oliver Purnell has resigned as head coach after five seasons with the Blue Demons. 

"It is my best interest and my family's best interest to resign as head coach of the DePaul basketball program," said Purnell. "I would like to personally thank the University community, fans and student body for their support and thank the student-athletes for their efforts over the last five years."

Purnell had a 54-105 record in his five seasons as the leader of the Blue Demons. 

"We would like to thank Oliver for his time at DePaul," said DePaul athletics director Jean Lenti Ponsetto. "He moved the program forward with the building of the roster and we wish him and his family well in the future. We are grateful to Coach Purnell for turning a corner in DePaul recruiting. We are clearly a stronger program because of his leadership. As we now turn to a search for a new coach, we do so gratefully for what he contributed these past five years."

DePaul is searching for its 14th head coach for its basketball program. .