Men’s basketball coach to take indefinite medical leave

Charlotte 49ers head men’s basketball coach Alan Major will be taking an indefinite medical leave of absence, effective immediately.

Major, who took a similar medical leave during the summer, approached Director of Athletics Judy Rose to request the leave due to a return of health conditions.

“This is an extremely difficult basketball decision for me to make, but more importantly, it’s a life and health decision,” said Major. “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.”

Rose stated, “Alan’s health and welfare become a priority at this point. His love for this program and his student-athletes is beyond reproach. It is extremely difficult for him to step away, but he understands his health must come first, and we are here to offer our full support.”

While Major will not be attending practices or games, he will continue to work in support of the program.

Associate head coach Ryan Odom will assume interim head coaching duties and will be assisted by Desmond Oliver and Orlando Vandross, who like Odom, have been at Major’s side since Major became the 49ers head coach five years ago.

“We believe that Ryan, Des and Orlando provide a sound framework for our basketball program,” Rose added. “They have been with our team under Alan throughout and are well-equipped to lead our team in the interim.”

There is no timetable for Major’s return, at this point.