UNC Charlotte’s Alan Major to take leave of absense

After a blow out victory over the Thundering Herd to open Conference USA play on Sunday, WKU’s schedule already will take a huge leap in terms of competition (no offense, Marshall) this coming weekend, beginning tomorrow as the Charlotte 49ers come to Diddle Arena, followed by a visit from #25 Old Dominion.

However, unfortunately for Charlotte, they’ll be missing a major piece of their team tomorrow, as head coach Alan Major has taken a leave of absence after having to step away from the program for the second time this season, both due to medical reasons. Over the summer, coach Major had two eye surgeries and a heart procedure which caused him to miss time.

Major is in his fifth year with the 49ers and has a 67-70 record through 137 career games, including a 21-12 season in 2012/13, the team’s last year in the A-10. He said this about having to take his leave and be away from the team.

"This is an extremely difficult basketball decision for me to make, but more importantly, it’s a life and health decision. It will be difficult being away from the team but I’ll maintain contact with the guys on a regular basis.  I have the best staff in the country and those guys are fully-prepared to take our team into battle.  I look forward to attacking this recovery process and getting back to leading this program into the future.– UNC Charlotte Men’s Basketball Coach Alan Major on having to step away from the program due to health concerns."

Major won’t be stepping away from the program all together, as he’ll continue to work in some capacity, but he won’t be on the bench for games or attending practices. The 49ers website says that no further details other than Major stepping away and the fact that there is no timetable for a return will be released “out of respect for Major’s privacy.”

Ryan Odom will assume the interim head coaching position, and will make his season debut at the helm against the Hilltoppers tomorrow.

While sports often time is an escape from problems in our lives, its never fun when those two intertwine and you have to choose between doing what you love and your health. Our thoughts are with Coach Major and we hope to see him on the bench again very soon.