On Monday, Dec. 9. Oakland announced that women’s basketball head coach Jeff Tungate would retire effective immediately.
The announcement comes at a crucial time for the Golden Grizzlies, who are still early in their season. They most recently picked up their first conference win against Wright State.
“As many of you know, I have had multiple back surgeries during the last several years. Unfortunately, my medical condition has gotten to the point where I can no longer fulfill my duties as the Head Coach of the Oakland University Women’s Basketball team,” Tungate shared on X .
“As painful as my medical condition has been, the decision to retire from coaching was even more painful to make. I wish the players continued success this year, and I am grateful for the support of my coaching staff. The team is in great hands.”
Throughout Tungate’s tenure, he amassed a 145-188 record in 12 years as head coach. Tungate’s biggest wins under the helm came against the nationally ranked Green Bay Phoenix in back-to-back seasons in 2016 and 2017.
Tungate’s connections to Oakland run deep. As a student, he was a standout baseball player for the Golden Grizzlies. Additionally, he served as the associate head coach for Oakland’s men’s basketball team for six seasons, from the 2007-08 season until the 2012-13 season.
Now, the program turns to associate head coach Deanna Richard, who will step up as interim head coach. Richard is no stranger to this role; she took over the responsibility last season in late November after it was announced Tungate would miss the 2023-24 season for spinal surgery.
Last season, Richard led the Golden Grizzlies to a 10-16 record and an 8-12 conference record. Richard’s leadership was enough to earn Oakland a home game in the Horizon League playoffs, but the Golden Grizzlies were eliminated in the first round by the Northern Kentucky Norse.
In the meantime, the Golden Grizzlies will look to regroup and prepare for their next matchup against the Robert Morris Colonials on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The athletics department will conduct a national search for Oakland’s new head coach.