BEVERLY, Mass.-   Following a five-year tenure as Endicott men's basketball head coach, during which his program amassed an overall record of 76-58 (.567), a conference record of 42-38 (.525) and won the team's first Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Championship since 2006, Phil Rowe has announced his decision to step down from his coaching role at Endicott.

Rowe announces the decision after accepting a position as Associate Athletic Director at St. Anselm's in Manchester, N.H. without coaching responsibilities.

"I want to thank Brian Wylie, Tom Redman and Dr. Wylie for the 5 great years I have had as the men's basketball coach at Endicott College," said Rowe.  "Dr. Wylie, Mr. Redman and Brian have put together one of the most dedicated coaching staff's in the country.  Brian has developed an athletic department culture that inspires and supports the students of Endicott every single day. He has kept our coaches mindful that we are still learning what we're teaching."

"As a coach here, I've benefited from his leadership and the daily passion and collaborative spirit our programs share," Rowe continued.  "This spirit provides our athletes with an education outside the playing field and the collaborative attitude has served as an additional tool for all coaches.  Its value has shown up in our teams' achievements and in the lives of our students." 

Over Rowe's five year tenure, Endicott posted a record of 76-58 and won one CCC title.

Rowe arrived at  Endicott for the 2009-10 season from Daniel Webster where he had served as the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs for Athletics, and immediately helped guide the program in the right direction.  His first season saw a two win improvement to 12-13 that included a CCC Quarterfinal appearance and by year two, he had improved the team's record to 17-10 and advanced to the CCC Semifinals.  Year three, the 2011-12 season, would be the team's best season in seven years as the Gulls posted an overall record of 20-9 and a CCC record of 12-6 on their way to winning the program's fifth CCC title and first since 2005-06.  

During the 2011-12 season, the Gulls received numerous accolades that included All-CCC honors for four players and were highlighted by CCC Rookie of the Year honors for Andre Makris (Southbury, Conn.).  The following year the Gulls brought home another major conference award as Lance Greene (Dorchester, Mass.) took home CCC Senior Scholar Athlete.  Under his tutelage, the Gulls have also welcomed three members to the distinguished 1,000 point club in Greene, Lachlan Magee (Melbourne, Australia), and rising senior John Henault (Lunenberg, Mass.).

"I have been a very fortunate to have shared so many wonderful experiences with our men's basketball team," stated Rowe. "This group of young men has demonstrated outstanding leadership, growth and community commitment to achieve that which their parents, friends and the College can be very proud of.  I will take with me some of the best memories any coach could ever have."

Rowe ends his Endicott coaching career tied for the longest tenure in men's program history.  He ranks first all-time in wins with 76, and is second  in win percentage with .567.  During his coaching career at Endicott, his players brought home 10 Academic All-Conference awards, 12 All-Conference awards and one All-Region award as Lance Greene earned D3Hoops.com All-Northeast Region honors in 2010-11.

"Quite simply, Coach Rowe transformed the men's basketball program. His standards for academic excellence; where in four of the last five years his team demonstrated a GPA of above a 3.0, expectations of high character, and his leadership development of men in his program was remarkable. His belief in Endicott, and his collaborative approach to ensuring success within his program and the department, became infectious. Coach Rowe has left an indelible mark here with us at Endicott," said Brian Wylie Director for Athletics. 

"I want to thank all of my colleagues for sharing their knowledge with me during our time together.  I wish everyone at Endicott much success as 'Discover the Experience' will always be with me," Rowe said.

The Endicott athletic department will be conducting a nationwide search for the men's basketball program's seventh head coach starting immediately.  Any inquiries regarding the position or questions regarding the program can be directed towards Brian Wylie at 978-232-2440 or bwylie@endicott.edu.