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Kathy Aiken ReportingThis is the last season for University of Utah men's basketball coach Rick Majerus and, barring a full recovery from a heart ailment, Majerus has likely coached his last Utah basketball game.
Majerus is in a Santa Barbara, California hospital being treated for a heart ailment. Today the 55-year old announced he will resign as Utes basketball coach at the end of the season.
At about 10:00 this morning, the news came down, surprising everyone in the athletic department. It may be the end of an era. Rick Majerus, who has taken Utah's basketball team to national prominence, may have coached his final game with the Utes.
Chris Hill, Shocked at Majerus' Announcement: "It was a little bit shocking, and at the same time I want him to take care of his health, got to take care of himself."
Majerus suffered chest pains last night at dinner and was urged by his cardiologist to fly to Santa Barbara for immediate treatment. Back In 1989, Majerus had heart bypass surgery. That was his first year in Utah and he coached only six games.
Mark Rydalch, Played for Majerus from 1993-1996: "Our thoughts and prayers go out, and hopefully he's alright and get back healthy."
A report out today says the coach is currently 370 pounds and Majerus will be 56 in three weeks.
What is known, is third year assistant Kerry Rupp will take over for now. Ironically, Rupp's first game will be Saturday when Utah hosts BYU. Last year, with Majerus away at a funeral, Rupp led the Utes to a win over the Cougars in Provo, snapping their 44-game home winning streak.
Kerry Rupp: "I think my job now is to get players and coaches to get adjusted to where we are right now. And I'll work hard on the future when that time comes."
There is no new update on Majerus' condition.
It’s been a very intense day at the University of Utah, and there are still, a lot of unknowns.
