Phelan retires; Brown to take his place
Coach Jim Phelan will retire after this season, following a remarkable 49-year career in which he has amassed more than 800 wins. Phelan said he made the decision to retire before the season. "I had discussed it with several of my close friends and decided that the time was right. Certainly, healthwise I feel fine. But the energy needed for the virtual year-round recruiting just isn't there," Phelan said. Phelan will be replaced by associate head coach Milan Brown. "We had a great opportunity of finding an energetic, talented and resourceful young professional right in our own back yard," athletic director Harold Menninger said. Brown signed a three-year contract that will take effect July 1, 2003.