Rick Majerus will not return to Saint Louis
- Rick Majerus will not return has head coach of the Billikens because of a serious heart condition
- Majerus has a 25-year record of 517-216 and was 95-69 in five seasons at Saint Louis
- Majerus has been undergoing evaluation and treatment in California for ongoing heart trouble
Rick Majerus, who is having treatment for a serious heart condition, will not return as men's basketball coach at Saint Louis University, the school announced Friday.
He is being treated in California, and Majerus and his representatives "have requested that SLU's department of athletics not provide any additional details regarding his health," the school said.
Interim coach Jim Crews will continue to coach the Billikens, who beat Memphis in the second round of the last season's NCAA tournament, Saint Louis' first win in the tournament since 1998 and first appearance since 2000. Saint Louis won 26 games last season and was ranked for the first time since 1994-95.
"I think about Rick every day," Crews told USA TODAY Sports last weekend. "He's a good friend of mine, and he's really been not healthy. Obviously, that has us all definitely concerned. Definitely concerned.
"It's a tough time," Crews said before pausing, "but I can't speculate either. … From an emotional (standpoint), everyone's in the same boat. It wasn't just players going through it or coaches going through it. Everyone is going through it."
Saint Louis President Lawrence Biondi, a Jesuit priest, said in a statement: "Rick returned our program to national prominence, and Billiken fans everywhere will be forever grateful. … We continue to pray for Rick and his family and friends during this difficult time."
Majerus, 64, has been on leave from Saint Louis since late August.
"Coach Majerus' health is of the utmost importance, and our thoughts and prayers are with him as he faces his challenges," athletic director Chris May said Friday in a statement.
"We are thankful for Rick's efforts as he succeeded by all accounts as our head men's basketball coach. This is an exciting season for the program, and we think it is important to communicate, with transparency, to the student-athletes, staff and our loyal fans that Rick will not be returning."
Majerus has a history of heart woes dating to 1989 and has been on blood thinner medication. He had a stent inserted in his heart in August 2011 in Salt Lake City, and missed a handful of games in the 2011-12 season after gashing his leg in a collision with players who had been diving for a loose ball.
May said former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, a close friend of Majerus, has been a "true godsend" in dealing with the coach's medical situation.
"Rick put his heart and soul into the team, and though he wishes he could be on the court, he will be pulling for the Billikens to have another great year," Huntsman said. "Rick sends his heartfelt gratitude for a dedicated and superb basketball team and coaching staff, together with the support of the great Billiken fans and the Saint Louis University department of athletics."
Majerus has a 25-year record of 517-216 with just one losing season and was 95-69 in five seasons at Saint Louis. He has taken 12 teams to the NCAA tournament and four to the NIT and his 1998 Utah team lost in the NCAA championship game to Kentucky.
The school will honor Majerus at a home game during the Atlantic 10 season. Fans will have the opportunity to sign "Get Well Soon" cards at upcoming games.
Contributing: The Associated Press