Dave Rose retires from coaching BYU

BYU head coach Dave Rose announced his retirement at a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

"I've had a chance to talk with the players and encourage them to move forward and tackle the challenge that's at hand. But most of all, I've had a chance to reflect with my family how lucky I've been. I'm 61 years old, I still haven't worked a day in my life," Rose said.

Rose has been the Cougars' bench boss since 2005, posting a 348-135 record, including eight NCAA Tournament appearances and a run to the Sweet 16 during the 2010-11 season. He was previously an assistant coach with the school from 1997 to 2005.

Utah State's Mark Pope, Portland State's Barret Peery, and Utah Jazz assistant Alex Jensen are the front-runners to replace Rose, a source told Stadium's Jeff Goodman.

BYU finished 11-5 in West Coast Conference play and 19-13 overall this past season. The Cougars' campaign ended in the quarterfinals of the WCC Tournament with an 80-57 loss to San Diego.