Longtime Georgia women's coach Landers retires

Mar 16, 2015 - 11:11 PM Athens, GA (SportsNetwork.com) - Andy Landers is retiring as the women's basketball coach at Georgia after 36 seasons, the university announced Monday.

Landers, who took over the program as a 26-year-old on April 24, 1979, is the only full-time women's basketball head coach in University of Georgia history.

He finished 862-299 with the Lady Bulldogs, leading them to four Southeastern Conference tournament titles and 31 NCAA Tournament appearances, which ranks second nationally over his tenure.

Georgia went 19-12 this past season, including 6-10 in the SEC.

"I feel blessed to have had the privilege of working at the University of Georgia for the past 36 years," Landers said in part of a statement released by the school.

Athletic director Greg McGarity said Landers "led our women's basketball program on an incredible journey for 36 years, and his Women's Basketball Hall of Fame recognition in 2007 is a testimony to his impact on the world of women's college basketball.

"Andy has poured his heart and soul into our program, and his dedication to the remarkable athletic and academic progress of his student-athletes is sincerely appreciated by everyone associated with UGA. I will also miss working alongside my good friend. We wish Andy and Pam the very best as he heads into retirement."

Georgia is one of only three Division I basketball programs to post a winning record every season since women's athletics came under NCAA control with the 1981-82 season.