Greenberg Accepts New Job

Coach Seth Greenberg, chiefly credited with restoring basketball success at Long Beach State, did as expected Wednesday, accepting a more lucrative offer to take over the University of South Florida program.

Although terms of the deal were not released, sources at Long Beach and South Florida said Greenberg, 39, agreed to a five-year contract worth about $1.3 million. Greenberg, who in only six seasons became the second most successful coach in 49er history, made about $175,000 annually at Long Beach.

At a news conference in Tampa, South Florida officials introduced the coach they hope will turn around their moribund program. The Bulls were 12-16 this season under Bobby Paschal, who was asked to resign Feb. 29 after 10 seasons. Their 2-12 record was the worst in the powerful, 11-team Conference USA.

“I look at South Florida as the basketball school in the state,” Greenberg said. “South Florida is a program headed in a positive direction, and I look forward to all the opportunities and challenges.”

Greenberg and his wife, Karen, traveled to Tampa on Tuesday for final meetings with South Florida athletic officials. Sources said he accepted the job Saturday after meeting with Athletic Director Paul Griffin in New York before the NCAA semifinals at East Rutherford, N.J.

“This was not a financial decision,” Greenberg said. “My decision was based solely on what can be accomplished here, and the commitment of the school to do that.”

Also a 49er assistant for three seasons, Greenberg this season guided Long Beach to its first regular-season Big West Conference championship in 19 years. He had more success than any 49er coach except Jerry Tarkanian, who led Long Beach to four consecutive conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances from 1968-73.

Long Beach was 17-11 this season. The 49ers won two conference tournament titles, twice played in the NCAA tournament and once in the National Invitation Tournament under Greenberg. His record at Long Beach was 105-70.

Some Long Beach officials, however, said Greenberg has had a wandering eye since being hired as the head coach before the 1990-91 season. He didn’t mask his intention to leave Long Beach when a better opportunity arose, and last season he pursued vacancies at USC and Nevada Las Vegas before remaining at Long Beach because school officials significantly upgraded his contract.

But Greenberg feared that the diminished regional and national reputation of the Big West would have negative repercussions for Long Beach. He also worried that remaining at Long Beach much longer would hurt his chances of landing the high-profile East Coast job he coveted.

Greenberg acted quickly to assemble his staff, on Wednesday hiring longtime Florida State assistant David Zimroth. Lead 49er assistant Clyde Vaughan is the only coach Greenberg would take from his Long Beach staff.

He has already offered Vaughan a job, but Vaughan said pursuing the vacant head coaching position at Long Beach is his top priority. Vaughan has the support of many key 49er players and their parents.

“This is the job I want,” Vaughan said. “I know the kids and I know the program. They have to pick the right person for the job, and I think I’m the person to lead the program to the next level.”

Bill Shumard, interim 49er athletic director, said Vaughan will receive consideration. However, Shumard said he does not have a leading candidate.

“We’re looking to give someone a long-term commitment,” he said. “But we need someone who is committed to making a long-term commitment to this community and the university. Right now, that’s very important.”

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Greenberg at Long Beach

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Season Record Big West 1990-91 11-17 6th 1991-92 18-12 4th 1992-93 22-10 4th* 1993-94 17-10 2nd 1994-95 20-10 2nd* 1995-96 17-11 1st

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Total: 105-70 (six seasons)

X--Tournament champion