Rich Manning decided it was time to move on.
Manning, who’s served as head coach for the University of Utah women’s soccer team since 2002, is stepping down to pursue other opportunities, the school announced Thursday.
Manning went 192-144-53 as the Utes’ coach, leading the program to eight NCAA Tournament appearances in his 19 seasons, including each of his first five seasons from 2002-06.
“After 19 years, it’s time for a new adventure,” Manning said in a statement. “It’s been a privilege to be the women’s soccer coach at the University of Utah. I’m proud of the way we played the game and how our teams represented the university.”
The school will conduct a national search immediately to replace Manning, behind a search committee led by deputy athletics director Charmelle Green and associate athletic director Liz Prince.
Manning’s team went 4-9-3 this past season and last played in the NCAA Tournament in 2019. Under his leadership, the Utes produced an All-American, 54 all-conference selections, including 24 on the first team, and three conference offensive players of the year, two defensive players of the year and three freshmen of the year.
“I want to give a huge thanks to the great people in the department. I will be forever grateful to our soccer staff: Scott Halasz, Allie Wisner, Devin Zimmerman, Tom Iriye and Cody Lockling have been the best colleagues, and I’m a better person for having worked with them,” Manning said. “Big thanks to my family, especially my wife Sue. Most of all I want to thank all of the wonderful women who have put on the Utah jersey and given their all for the Utes. They are the best of college athletics. I look forward to watching the team shine in the future.”
Manning’s student-athletes have also produced in the classroom, with Utah earning an NSCAA Team Academic Award every season since 2009 — the longest streak of any team in the Pac-12. Utah has had 111 conference all-academic selections since joining the league in 2011, and Manning has coached five NSCAA Scholar All-Americans.
“I want to thank Rich for his contributions to our program over his 19 years as head coach,” Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said in a statement. “I am appreciative of the dedicated service Rich has provided to our program and his commitment to the well-being of our student-athletes in their academic and athletic pursuits, as well as their personal development.”