Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Gunn resigns, heads to Stanford

Ten days after his Charlotte 49ers played for a national championship, Jeremy Gunn has resigned to become the men's soccer coach at Stanford.

Gunn was 64-26-14 in five seasons with Charlotte, including this season's run to the College Cup championship game, where the 49ers lost 1-0 to North Carolina.

"I want to thank everybody involved at Charlotte ... for the incredible five years that I’ve been able to enjoy here,” Gunn said in a statement. “The support from the university has been a major factor in the wonderful success we’ve had and the incredible endeavors of the fine student-athletes that I’ve
had the pleasure and privilege to coach here. We’ve had unbelievable community support, and support from our alums, student body and the university community. I couldn’t have fonder memories about a place. Charlotte will always have a very, very special place in my heart.

"I want to thank Chancellor (Phil) Dubois, Judy and (Senior Associate Athletic Director) Kim Whitestone for the wonderful opportunity they gave me. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication that everybody has shown to allow our program to enjoy the excitement and success over the last few years. I will miss all of the people that I have met here, and will be looking forward to cheering Niner Nation on to future successes.”

Stanford was 6-10-2 last season, but the Cardinal is usually one of the country's top programs.

In 2010, Gunn signed a three-year extension on his 49ers contract that originally paid him about $65,000 per year.

"The chancellor and I made a competitive, substantial offer to Jeremy to try and keep him as our coach," said 49ers athletics director Judy Rose. "We are disappointed in Jeremy's decision but understand the appeal of Stanford and wish him well."

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

TAKE DUBOIS BACK TO CALI TOO PLEASE. Good luck Gunn

Anonymous said...

Guess he knew that UNC Charlotte would never be able to compete with the Flagships NCSU and UNC (The original, one and only). Back to commuter college status for Charlotte

Anonymous said...

I was not aware that NCSU was such a flagship soccer program.

Best of luck Gunn, thanks for the memories!

Anonymous said...

What a liar. He stated he would not go anywhere. Man has to do what he has to but heck, at least tell the truth.

Anonymous said...

Money talks people walk. Honestly, coaches are over rated. It's not the coach that wins the game. It's the players and their dedication to the game they love. Too much credit for the coach and not enough for the players. Don't worry, he'll end up at Standford not winning much and then will get canned and move on. Coaches do not win ball games in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

Another Lee Rose. Takes us to the brink then splits.

Anonymous said...

@ anon. 5:02:

Do you really, truly blame the man? Something like Standford comes up and he's supposed to stay at UNCC working with Judy Rose? Sorry, can't blame him at all for this move. Good luck Coach.

Anonymous said...

So, let me get this straight....you folks that are trashing Gunn for resigning and moving to Stanford...you folks would pass on an opportunity to move to a solid university with a national reputation, excellent academics, a history of over-achieving in sports, etc. Sure you would. Ever hear of the term "hypocrite"?

Anonymous said...

@ Anonymous 4:21

You are correct in that that UNC-CH is "the original, one and only" university in Chapel Hill.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunate, but understandable.

Anonymous said...

WE ARE CHARLOTTE!!!! Good luck Jeremy. Thanks for the hard work, great team and priceless memories!
GO TO HELL, CAROLINA!!!!

49er1

Anonymous said...

Charlotte has made huge strides athletically. There have been some great coaches at UNCC. Most recently Karen Aston who left for a better coaching situation at North Texas. It was apparent why she left and money had little to do do with her decision. After going far in the NIT and seeing smaller schools with 6000+ fans at a game, it was evident that Charlotte was not willing to support the program. Sad loss for Charlotte. I hope Charlotte steps up for the great coaches they have!

Anonymous said...

Gotta pay to play. UNCC is too cheap. BTW, the only thing UNC-CH is the flagship for is CHEATING.

Anonymous said...

SCREW YOU GUNN! Cant wait to succeed without this clown!

Anonymous said...

O.K. Judy. let's get busy and find us a better coach and one that can take the soccer team to the title....that's what we want

Anonymous said...

That is why it is so "smart" to try to field a second class football team that has zero chance for success. You lose good coaches like this because the emphasis is elsewhere. Good luck, Jeremy

Anonymous said...

Gunn was a good fit for the Niners and his leaving will rip the hearts out of the players. He was such a good motivator and regular guy. But people leave their jobs every day for the better, and the lure of Stanford with its prestige and money is a no brainer. Good luck, Coach. As for the Niners, they will be fine.

Dowless said...

"Coaches do not win ball games in my opinion." I disagree. The coach recruits the players, teaches more about the skills, and develops the strategy that wins the game. Try winning any multi-player game where all players have their own agenda. It takes one person to put them all together and that's called "Coach".

You guys are crazy if you wouldn't jump at that opportunity. Besides if the salary at Charlotte was only 65K the guy has been living on beans and franks the last five years. San Fransisco/San Jose is a great area to live in.

To put things into perspective around the salary, the Creighton's coach has a 10 year contract for $300K. I don't think our University can compete financially with the Stanford's, TarHole's, and Creighton's of the college soccer world. You can't disrespect a guy for wanting to do better for himself.

Good Luck Coach, You'll always be a part of Niner Nation...unless maybe you go and coach the TarHoles. Then we might have to disown you on principle.

Anonymous said...

Charlotte offered a 6-figure salary to Gunn, but he had his mind made up.

Anonymous said...

I don't blame him one bit. He will be missed, but a chance to coach at Stanford is a no-brainer.. Top ten soccer program, academics, and university as a whole. HUGE promotion for Gunn. I'm happy for him. Palo Alto is one of the best places to live and raise a family in the US in my opinion.

god, if there was one said...

I went to UNCC and would have left for Stanford, too. Is this decision even up for debate???

Anonymous said...

D1 football and hoops is the path to credibiltiy and visiblity...Akron won the soccer NCAA last yr and the average sports fan has no idea who they are.

Let soccer coaches walk, pay your hoops and football guys to produce

Anonymous said...

good luck to gunn. the 49ers will kick your ass next year in the college cup.

Anonymous said...

Can't blame the guy for leaving. Stanford has the top overall athletic program in the country as they have won the all-sports championship every year since its inception except the one year that Carolina won it.
And Anonymous @6:21. Grow up dude It is irritating to try to have a legitimate sports thread and it be spoiled by morons such as yourself.

Anonymous said...

I hope you meant to address that last comment toward Anonymous @4:21