Glenn Robinson stands and claps for his team on the sidelines as the Diplomats get back on defense in a game against Muhlenberg. Franklin & Marshall athletics photo

Franklin & Marshall men's basketball coach Glenn Robinson will take an indefinite medical leave of absence before the start of the 2018-19 season to recuperate from a chronic respiratory illness. Assistant Coach Nick Nichay will coach the team until Robinson returns. 

"We wish Coach Robinson the best during his recovery from this illness," said athletic director Patricia S.W. Epps. "Coach Robinson's well-being and health is most important to us at this time. His staff will do an excellent job during his recovery and we look forward to seeing him back on the bench in the near future." 

Robinson is in his 48th season as head coach with 952 victories, which ranks third all-time among all NCAA divisions of college basketball. The most victorious coach in Division III history, he has led his teams to 19 conference championships and 25 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 16 trips to the Sweet 16, 10 Elite Eight contests and five Final Fours. 

The Diplomats have finished with 20 or more wins in 28 seasons and 18 players have received 26 All-America honors under Robinson's direction. During his tenure, all but two players to earn a varsity letter in basketball have earned a degree, a statistic which few, if any, other colleges in the nation can boast. 

F&M opens the season on Nov. 11 when the Diplomats host Albright.