Air Force basketball coach quits to take Richmond job

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), May 6, 2005 | by DAN WOLKEN THE GAZETTE

Chris Mooney, who led the Air Force men's basketball team to an 18-12 record last year in his first season as coach, resigned Thursday and will be introduced today as the head coach at the University of Richmond.

"No one saw this coming," Air Force guard Antoine Hood said after players met with Mooney on Thursday. "When we woke up today, that's the last thing you could have told me" would happen.

In April, Mooney signed a five-year contract that included a 10 percent raise and took effect Sunday. Over the weekend, Richmond officials contacted Mooney. On Monday, Richmond officials asked Air Force officials for permission to speak to Mooney, according to Air Force senior associate athletic director Mike Saks.

Mooney flew to Richmond, Va., and interviewed for the job Tuesday. The offer came Wednesday and Mooney informed Air Force players and officials Thursday he would take the job. He planned to leave for Richmond on Thursday night for a news conference today.

"Obviously I have mixed emotions," Mooney said. "I'm really sad and disappointed I won't be able to continue to coach Air Force. I wish I would be able to do both or whatever, but I'm sad and disappointed. I feel like I let the guys down."

Mooney, 32, will replace Colorado College graduate Jerry Wainright, who left Richmond last week for De-Paul.

After four years as an assistant, Mooney succeeded Joe Scott, who departed Air Force for Princeton last spring after leading the Falcons to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 42 years.

Richmond, which has been to the NCAA Tournament seven times since 1984, plays in the Atlantic 10 Conference and is closer to Mooney's hometown of Philadelphia.

Mooney's new Air Force salary would have been about $242,000. Wainright made about $400,000 per season at Richmond, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, though Mooney said money was not a factor.

"They have great basketball tradition," Mooney said. "They have a genuine commitment to basketball and want to see their program do well. Geography is definitely a factor; it's pretty close to my home. The Atlantic 10 is a great conference and one I'm familiar with."

Air Force athletic director Hans Mueh could not be reached for comment.

Saks said Mooney was released from the recently signed contract without having to compensate the academy. Saks also said Air Force would conduct a national search for its next coach.

Associate head coach Mike McKee and assistant coach Larry Mangino both said they are interested in the position.

"It was difficult to lose Joe a year ago and then when Chris really unexpectedly accepted this job, it's a blow to you," Saks said. "We need to all take a step back and appreciate what Chris has done for this program for not just one year but for five years. It's rare people stay in one place for a long period of time anymore."

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