Hired as Pepperdine's head coach in April of 1999, van Breda Kolff directed the Waves to a two-year record of 47-18 (.723). Pepperdine won the regular season West Coast Conference championship last season and finished second this year. The Waves compiled a 25-9 record during the 1999-2000 campaign and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The 25 wins tied the school's modern-era, single-season record.
Pepperdine was 22-9 last season and advanced to the second round of the National Invitation Tournament. It marked the first time since the 1949-50 and 1950-51 seasons that Pepperdine notched post-season wins in back-to-back years.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Pepperdine," said van Breda Kolff. "The decision to accept the position at St. Bonaventure was difficult, and ultimately family considerations played a major role in the process. I will always have fond memories of my two years at the University."
Dr. John Watson, Pepperdine's Director of Athletics, praised van Breda Kolff's achievements during his two-year tenure at the University.
"Jan has helped elevate the stature of our program, and we certainly wish him continued success at St. Bonaventure University," Watson said.
Watson indicated that a search to find a replacement will begin immediately.
"Finding the right replacement is of great importance to the University," Watson said. "The record shows we have made this kind of transition successfully in the past, and we will patiently pursue that end once again in order to find the coach that best fits at Pepperdine."
