Winston-Salem St. coach Clarence 'Bighouse' Gaines retiring after 47 years - Winston-Salem State University

Clarence "Bighouse" Gaines, legendary head basketball coach at Winston-Salem State University, and the nation's winningest active basketball coach with 828 wins, recently announced that he would retire from the post, after 47 years.

Gaines, 69, came to Winston-Salem State in 1945 and also served as athletic director and department chairman. His retirement is effective June 30.

"It's been a great 47 years," said Gaines, who was nominated for professor emeritus status by university Chancellor Cleon F. Thompson, Jr. "After talking it over with my family, they thought it would be in my best interests to relieve myself of some of the responsibilities that I now have. I would also like to thank the WSSU family and the citizens of Winston-Salem for their support during these challenging and rewarding years.

Gaines has been elected to several sports halls of fame, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of fame, and has served as president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, which will award him the Golden Anniversary Award on April 4, denoting his 50 years of service to basketball.

Gaines will continue to work with the University in the area of institutional advancement, particularly helping the athletic endowment program and serving as a special lecturer.

"Actually, I'm looking forward to a bit more free time between July and December, so I can spend more time with my family and do a little travelling," said Gaines. "But I know that come January, I'll be anxious to get on with my new duties."