Era ends at VCU as coach Anthony Grant departs

After three spectacular seasons that put Virginia Commonwealth University in the national spotlight, Rams basketball coach Anthony Grant is moving on to Alabama.

Grant told The Times-Dispatch yesterday that he agreed in principle to become the Crimson Tide's coach. He said he could not comment on his contract or other aspects of his decision because of some legal issues that needed to be resolved. A news conference has been scheduled at Alabama tomorrow at 7 p.m.

In a release from Alabama, Grant said, "We have been given the opportunity to create a very special situation for men's basketball at the University of Alabama and we look forward to getting started. There's a commitment throughout the athletic department to make sure that we have the resources necessary to compete for championships."

The Tuscaloosa News reported that sources said Grant's pay package is unlikely to be more than $2 million per year. At VCU he made $700,000 per year plus incentives.

His VCU contract calls for a $240,000 buyout.

"As our search progressed over the last few weeks it became readily apparent that Coach Grant is an excellent fit to lead our program," Alabama athletic director Mal Moore said. "His record at Virginia Commonwealth is outstanding and his coaching background is filled with championship success at the collegiate level."

The 42-year-old Grant told his team of the decision during a meeting yesterday evening. Sophomore guard Joey Rodriguez said the news was hard to take, but that most team members were resigned to the fact that Grant was leaving.

"I know he's got to do what's best for him and his family," Rodriguez said. "It's kind of hard for him to pass up. I understand where he's coming from. He wants to win national championships. He's going to do great there."

The focus at VCU now becomes Grant's replacement.

VCU athletic director Norwood Teague said his initial list includes Rams assistant Tony Pujol, Auburn head coach Jeff Lebo, Florida assistant Shaka Smart and Texas assistant Russell Springmann.

Teague plans to interview Springmann in Texas and Smart in Florida today. He said he hopes to have a new coach by Thursday.

"I knew one day we'd lose Anthony Grant," Teague said. "Now that it's a reality, it's something that's hard to accept. I can't help but think of his best interests. I want him to succeed. It's been an honor to work with him. He's one of a kind, and I really mean that."

The Rams went 76-25 under Grant, including an upset of Duke in the first round of the 2007 NCAA tournament. VCU won three regular-season Colonial Athletic Association titles and made two NCAA appearances.

Alabama's job came open when Mark Gottfried resigned in January. The Tide started to pursue Grant on Saturday and met with him Sunday in Richmond.

Alabama officials rolled out the red carpet for Grant and his wife, Christina, during a daylong visit Wednesday.

Grant had signed one high school recruit, Ben Eblen, a point guard out of Melbourne, Fla. Eblen said he would talk to his family and high school coach and explore his options in the wake of Grant's departure.

"I know Coach Grant had to do what's best for him and his family," Eblen said. "I have to do what's best for me and my family also."

Said Rodriguez, who is from Oviedo, Fla.: "I'm waiting to see who the next coach is. The first option is staying at VCU."