Mitchem Leaving Men's Basketball Staff

08/22/2001 | 12:00:00 | Men's Basketball

Aug. 22, 2001

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University-Carbondale assistant coach Lynn Mitchem has left the men's basketball staff to take a position on the staff at Illinois-Chicago, head coach Bruce Weber said Wednesday.

Mitchem, 41, joined the SIUC staff in 1999. Previously, he had coached at Loyola-Chicago, Ball State, Washington State and Nebraska.

"Lynn loves the city of Chicago, has family in that area and got a nice raise," Weber said. "He's a friend, and I'm happy for him. The only disappointing thing is the timing, being so close to the season."

Weber said he has permission from the University for an emergency hire and has several candidates scheduled for interviews. He said he hopes to have Mitchem's replacement hired by September 1.