Greenberg Leaves Long Beach, Takes Over at South Florida

Seth Greenberg, chiefly credited with restoring basketball success at Long Beach State, did as expected Wednesday, accepting a more lucrative coaching 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 six seasons became the second-most successful coach in 49er history, made about $175,000 annually at Long Beach.

At an afternoon news conference in Tampa, South Florida officials introduced the coach who they hope will turn around their moribund program. The Bulls were 12-16 this season, and their 2-12 record was the worst in the 11-team Conference USA. Coach Bobby Paschal was asked to resign at the end of this past season.

“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 had already accepted the job Saturday after meeting with Athletic Director Paul Griffin in New York before the Final Four semifinals at East Rutherford, N.J.

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

Greenberg this season guided Long Beach to its first regular-season conference championship in 19 years. He had more success than any previous 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 Big West 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.

However, Greenberg some Long Beach officials have said has had a wandering eye since being hired as head coach before the 1990-91 season, after three seasons as a 49er assistant. He didn’t mask his intentions to leave Long Beach as soon as a better opportunity appeared, and last season he pursued vacancies at USC and Nevada Las Vegas before remaining at Long Beach because school officials significantly upgraded his package.

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

Greenberg acted quickly to assemble his staff Wednesday, hiring longtime Florida State assistant David Zimroth. Clyde Vaughan is the only coach Greenberg will consider from his Long Beach staff.

He has already offered Vaughan a job, but Vaughan said pursuing the vacant post 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 in mind yet.

“We’re looking to give someone a long-term commitment,” Shumard 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 State

Here’s a look at the Long Beach State career of Seth Greenberg, named basketball coach at South Florida on Wednesday:

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Season Record Big West Conference Finish 1990-91 11-17 Sixth in regular season 1991-92 18-12 Fourth in regular season 1992-93 22-10 Fourth in regular season; tournament champion 1993-94 17-10 Second in regular season 1994-95 20-10 Second in regular season; tournament champion 1995-96 17-11 First in regular season Six seasons 105-70

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