Greg McDermott retiring from Creighton after 16 years as Bluejays coach

Creighton men's basketball coach Greg McDermott's legendary career is coming to its close.

Monday, both McDermott and Creighton officials announced his impending retirement after 16 seasons leading the Bluejays program, during which time he became the school's all-time leader in wins.

McDermott will finish this season with the Bluejays, who are in the College Basketball Crown tournament after not qualifying for the NCAA Tournament.

Simultaneously with the announcement of McDermott's exit, Creighton announced that coaching veteran Alan Huss will take over the program. Huss had been named head-coach-in-waiting a year ago when he returned to Creighton.

“It has been an incredible honor to lead the Creighton men’s basketball program for the past 16 years,” McDermott said in the school's release. “I’m very proud of the young men that have proudly worn the Bluejay uniform and represented our program in a first-class manner. Witnessing their growth and development on and off the playing floor was especially gratifying. “I’m deeply grateful for the support of my family, our players, coaching staff and support staff, as well as the presidents, athletic directors, and all the University and athletic administrators. The support of the Omaha community consistently packing our arena with 17,000 fans has created many fond memories. While this chapter of my career comes to a close, my love and respect for the Bluejays will never fade. I look forward to the continued success of Bluejay basketball under the leadership of Alan Huss."

Taking over at Creighton in 2010 after four seasons leading the Iowa State program, McDermott had a 23-win debut season for the Bluejays and by Year 2 made the first of three consecutive and 10 overall NCAA Tournament appearances.

Creighton under McDermott five times made the NCAA's Round of 32, as well as three Sweet 16 appearances and one trip to the Elite Eight.

He amassed 365 of his 645 career wins during his time atop Creighton, which is scheduled to play Rutgers in the College Basketball Crown event on April 2.

A former Creighton player in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Huss returned to his alma mater -- where he previously served eight seasons as McDermott's top assistant -- last spring after a three-year run at the helm of the High Point basketball program. Huss also served as an assistant coach at New Mexico and was a head coach in the prep ranks.