Bryant men’s basketball coach Jared Grasso, who was placed on leave in late September with no reason given, announced his resignation Monday.
“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my resignation as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Bryant University,” said the statement posted to X. “My role as a father and husband is everything to me. The rigors of a coach’s lifestyle and 3 young children can make that extremely challenging. My mental and physical health must come first at this time.
“For the last 25 years I have chased this game relentlessly with a results-oriented mindset. My obsession and discipline with work, competition and winning championships is in my blood. But for now my mental health and surgically repaired back need to be tended to.”
Since the late September announcement, neither Grasso nor the school has provided a reason for his leave of absence. The Providence Journal reported that it was not an issue of Grasso’s health or that of his family, and that the school administration was believed to be investigating his personal conduct since his hiring in April 2018.
Just days after the leave of absence announcement, Grasso was arrested in North Smithfield, R.I., on Oct. 3 after allegedly leaving the scene of a car accident. The misdemeanor charge for failing to stop for an accident resulting in damage was dismissed after Grasso’s insurance carrier accepted all liability.
Grasso, 43, had coached at Bryant since 2018. He led the program to a 17-13 record last season and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2022.
“The last 5 1/2 years were special,” Grasso’s statement said. “We laughed and thought a lot. And we shed more than a few tears along the way.”
Grasso was the coach at Fordham in the 2009-10 season, compiling a 1-22 record.
He got his next head-coaching opportunity when he was hired at Bryant before the 2018 season. In five seasons, his teams have posted a 79-67 record.
That includes a 22-10 record in 2021-22, when the Bulldogs won the Northeast Conference regular season and tournament championship to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. They lost in the First Four to Wright State, 93-82.
“I have been blessed to coach in 10 post-season tournaments in the past 13 years,” Grasso said Monday on X. “The culmination being our 2022 NCAA Tournament team. Which was a special group who overcame true “adversity” and learned about life along the way. I love you guys.”
In April 2022, the school announced a contract extension for Grasso, intending to keep him at Bryant through the 2026-27 season.
Phil Martelli Jr., who was previously associate head coach, has been serving as acting head coach since Grasso’s leave was announced. Bryant, now a member of the America East Conference, has gone 1-2 to start the season under Martelli.
–Field Level Media
