Cliff Ellis is done with coaching, but not the NCAA (AUDIO) #CCU

When most people retire, they are looking to enjoy the spoils of their career. Whether it be travel, golf, or just spending time with family, the golden years can be quite leisurely. Cliff Ellis is not exactly ready to spend all of his time at the beach. Quite the opposite, actually.

“Right now, my mission is helping Coastal maneuver through this,” Ellis said, referencing his desire to improve the current makeup of the NCAA transfer portal and N.I.L. “Just look at what’s happening. Something’s got to be done. This is a challenge that’s very difficult, and this is my mission. Hopefully my words today will spread and make a difference.”

Ellis officially announced his retirement as head men’s basketball coach of the Chanticleers on Wednesday afternoon. He spent over 48 years on the bench, coaching the game that he clearly loves, compiling over 900 wins as a head coach and 831 victories at the Division One level. Associate head coach Benny Moss will serve as interim coach for the remainder of the season. Moss said he’s looked forward to another opportunity to be a head coach, but not like this.

“It is bittersweet,” Moss said in explaining his promotion. “Yes, I’ve wanted this for 13 and a half years. But to see your mentor walk away from the game. To see a legend, a future hall of famer, walk away and give you this opportunity is bittersweet.”

Moss, who was also the head coach at UNCW from 2006–2010, will make his debut as the leader of the CCU program this Saturday as Coastal entertains Wofford. In a somewhat ironic twist, CCU faced Wofford in Spartanburg last season immediately after Jay McAuley took a leave of absence from the Terriers. Wofford won that matchup 71-61 on December 6th, and Moss is hoping his team will be inspired to play this weekend.

“These players, there’s enough in that room to do the things that we still want to get accomplished,” Moss explained. “I’m proud of them and how they’ve handled this situation. They’ve been very professional. They are ready to move forward and turn the page. This group, at this point, needs positive energy. This team is going to choose to go to great heights.”

Complete CCU Release on Cliff Ellis

Cliff Ellis — Full Retirement Press Conference

Interim HC Benny Moss — Media Gaggle

Cliff Ellis — Media Gaggle