| Bill Tharp leaves Ferrum with 149 wins in 12 seasons as the Panthers' head coach. Photo by Steven Marsh, Franklin (Va.) News Post |
On Thursday evening Bill Tharp announced that he will not return as Ferrum College's head men's basketball coach next season.
"Ferrum has been very good to me and gave me an opportunity to live a dream of coaching college basketball," said Tharp in a College release. "I will be forever grateful to Director of Athletics Abe Naff and the Ferrum administration for trusting the men's basketball program to me over the past 12 years. I leave with a deep appreciation for the players and coaches that worked so hard during my time at Ferrum."
Tharp coached the Panthers for 12 seasons and recorded a career record of 149-164, setting the College's record for coaching victories since it moved from a junior college to Division III in 1985-1986. The Panthers' best season under Tharp came in 2010-2011 when they went 23-5 and lost to North Carolina Wesleyan 74-70 in the USA South Athletic Conference tournament final.
"We appreciate the hard work, passion and dedication that Bill brought to our basketball program, athletic department and to Ferrum during his tenure. We wish him and his family well," said Naff in the College's release.
Ferrum finished 10-15, 5-10 in the USA South Athletic Conference last season.