Idaho State's O'Brien resigns

Dec 20, 2011 - 2:16 AM Pocatello, ID (Sports Network) - Joe O'Brien resigned as the men's head basketball coach at Idaho State on Monday.

Idaho State fell to 2-8 with a loss at Utah on Saturday, and O'Brien felt like it was "time to walk away" during his sixth season at the helm.

"I know it is time. For a number of reasons in my life it is time. This basketball team has a chance and they have proven they can compete with people. A different voice will make a difference in this program. It is time for me to do something different," O'Brien said.

Assistant coach Deane Martin has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

The Bengals went 56-105 during O'Brien's tenure, which included a 33-46 mark in Big Sky play.

"[O'Brien's] team's played hard on the court and continually took part in various community activities here in the Pocatello community. I wish him the best of luck in his future," Idaho State athletics director Jeff Tingey said.

Prior to his stint on the Idaho State sideline, O'Brien coached three Junior College title teams.

O'Brien has earned six national Coach of the Year honors, and three District XI Coach of the Year honors.