WINONA, Minn. — Ever since he graduated from Saint Mary's University in 1979, all Bob Biebel has known is coaching basketball.

First, at Xavier High School (Appleton, Wis.), where his teams won a state title and boasted three undefeated Fox Valley Christian Conference seasons, five conference championships and eight regional or sectional titles.

Then, at his alma mater, where he spent the last six seasons trying to rebuild the Cardinals into a conference power.

On Thursday, Biebel decided enough was enough — it was time to try something else.

In a move that shocked everyone, Biebel handed athletic director Chris Kendall his resignation, stepping down as the head coach of the SMU men's basketball team.

"The biggest thing is, I felt the players needed a change," said Biebel. "After the past couple of seasons, we were beginning to develop a losing attitude and we need to change that.

"There are a lot of good things happening right now — the new gym floor at the top of that list," continued Biebel, referring to the university's decision to tear up the old gym floor and replace it with a new, start-of-the-art one. "I just felt that this was the best move for our players and our program."

Biebel enjoyed his best season in 1999-2000, when he led the Cardinals to an 11-13 record — their highest win total since the 1986-87 season. In his six seasons at Saint Mary's, Biebel posted a record of 37-108.

"It's very hard to leave," Biebel said. "The support on this campus — administration, the athletic department, faculty and staff, the student body — has been so great."

"After the 1999-2000 season, we thought we had turned the corner and we were ready to really move forward, but we slipped back over the past three years," Biebel added. "This team has a great group of kids returning, and they deserve a chance to do well. I think a fresh start will give them that chance."

"It saddens me to see Bob go," said Kendall. "I played baseball with Bob (at Saint Mary's) in the late 1970s and he's been a great friend over the years.

"In my time as athletic director, I don't think I've ever seen a person work harder, or with more passion, than Bob has," continued Kendall, who noted that a national search for Biebel's successor would begin immediately. "Bob has always put the team first, and he's always wanted what's best for the team.

"We are certainly going to miss his energy, and we wish him all the best in the future."