Linda Lappe resigns as coach of Colorado

There had been some rumblings that Colorado head coach Linda Lappe might not be back next year, and those rumblings were confirmed earlier today. Lappe and the Buffaloes have decided to part ways, per the university.

"We sat down and discussed in depth about the future of the program," George said.  "In the end, it was a mutual decision as we came to the conclusion that at this time, it was important for the program to go in a different direction.

"We appreciate everything Linda has done for the program since she took it over," he added.  "Her student-athletes have done a great job in the classroom, off the court and in the community.  She has been a terrific role model and a great alum of the school; she will always be a Colorado Buffalo."

With a young team having only one senior, it was difficult overall the entire year, especially in a competitive Pac-12 conference were Colorado went 2-16 and 7-23 on the year.

Lappa had this to share on her leaving the Buffs, “I will forever be grateful for all the positive experiences CU has given me,” Lappe said.  “I feel honored to have been the coach here for the past six years and I want to thank President (Bruce) Benson, Chancellor (Phil) DiStefano and former athletic director Mike Bohn for this opportunity.  I also want to thank my staff and players for all the hard work they have put into the program.  I'm confident Colorado women's basketball can return to national prominence.”

In the six years as the head coach for the Buffs, Lappa complied an overall record of 105-92 and 39-68 in conference play. During the 2012-2013 season, Colorado made a NCAA appearance which also happened to be the best year for Lappa with a record of 25-7 on the year, 13-5 in Pac-12 play; the Buffs finished at fourth in the conference. Even further, it had been nine years since CU had appeared in the NCAA tournament, however, her other Colorado teams had qualified for the WNIT.

These last two seasons however, Lappa hasn’t been able to return her teams to the post season.

Lappa graduated from CU in 2002 where she was a four-year letter winner for the Buffs, a captain for the team two times under the coaching of Ceal Barry.

She spent 2003-2006 as an assistant at Drake, one season at Colorado State, then took her first head coaching job at Metro State. Under Lappa, the Roadrunners had a 50-36 record in three seasons as their head coach. From there, she returned to her alma mater to be the eighth coach in school history.

George shared the university will honor the rest of Lappa’s contract, which was set to run through April of 2019. The team and two recruits she signed last November were informed the changes coming.

George also indicated the search for the next coach for Colorado will start immediately.