Louisiana Tech’s Barmore Reveals Plans to Resign

Leon Barmore of Louisiana Tech, one of the most prominent coaches in women’s basketball, will resign after his team finishes play in the NCAA women’s tournament.

Barmore is completing his 18th season at the school. He has the best winning percentage (.872) in Division I basketball--men or women.

“I gave all I have,” he said Friday. “I have one more run at the national championship and that’s it.”

Barmore made the tearful announcement at the end of a news conference leading to the NCAA Midwest Regional. Louisiana Tech (28-2) opens play today at home against Alcorn State.

Louisiana Tech and Tennessee are the only teams to play in all 19 NCAA women’s tournaments. Under Barmore, the Techsters reached the Final Four nine times and won the championship in 1988.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is that every girl that’s played here for the full four years has gone to a Final Four,” Barmore said.

Barmore said he timed the announcement so Louisiana Tech would have enough time to replace him.

He refused to answer questions and said he would fully discuss his resignation once the Lady Techsters’ tournament run is complete.

“I love this school,” Barmore said. “I don’t want this story to be about me. But I didn’t think it would be fair to wait.”

Barmore’s record is 517-76, and he reached 500 wins faster than any other active coach. This season, he was the Sun Belt Conference coach of the year for the sixth time.