Former Boston College Coach Jim O'Brien Retires; Bill Curley Named Emerson Interim Coach

Former Boston College and current Emerson College men's basketball coach Jim O'Brien announced his retirement on Thursday after three years helping to rebuild the Lions program. He will officially step down on April 30.

The 64-year-old Brooklyn native previously served as the head coach at St. Bonaventure, Boston College and Ohio State before reemerging at Division III Emerson after being out of coaching for seven seasons. While head coach at his alma mater, O'Brien guided Boston College to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight appearance in 1994. Overall, O'Brien posted a 168-166 record with the Eagles in 11 seasons at the helm.

After leaving the Heights to coach the Buckeyes, O'Brien guided Ohio State to the NCAA Tournament in three of his first four seasons, but was fired in 2004 after he admitted to AD Andy Geiger that he provided a loan to the mother of a one-time recruit.

O'Brien leaves the Emerson program to another Boston College alum and former player, Bill Curley, who is currently serving as Emerson's men's basketball associate head coach. Curley will become the interim head coach effective May 1.

"It has been a wonderful and very rewarding three years," O'Brien said. "I can't thank Emerson enough-the administration, the entire Athletics Department, and especially the players whom I have been lucky enough to coach. I know that the program is in great hands with Bill Curley."

Before coming to Emerson, Curley served as head coach of boys' basketball at Thayer Academy (2007-11), and Assistant Coach for men's basketball at Wentworth Institute of Technology (2003-04). During his college playing days, Curley was named the Big East Conference Rookie of the Year in 1991, and was twice selected as a first team All-Big East player After graduating from BC in 1994, Curley was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round (22nd overall) of the 1994 NBA Draft and went on to have a seven-year professional career with five different teams: Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks.

Best of luck to Curley at Emerson.