McGown resigns as men's volleyball coach

PROVO, Utah – Chris McGown announced today he has resigned as head BYU men’s volleyball coach to spend more time with his family and to seek other business opportunities. McGown served as the head coach of the Cougars from 2012-15, accumulating a record of 88-31 and capturing two Mountain Pacific Sports Federation titles.

“The principal driving force behind my decision to step away was my two daughters,” McGown said. “I want to make sure the two of them are getting the best I have and I struggled to give them that with the demands of being the head coach. 

“I’ve felt so much support from our staff, from our administration, and of course, our amazing fans. Most of all, I’ll miss the association with our athletes – they are young men of talent, commitment and character. It’s been an honor to go to work with them every day.”

McGown concludes his coaching career at BYU second all-time in program history in winning percentage (.739) and third in total victories (88). He led the Cougars to back-to-back MPSF regular season titles in 2013 and 2014, BYU’s first conference titles since 2004.

The 2013 squad finished 26-5 overall and 21-3 in league play and won the MPSF tournament title. McGown led the Cougars to the NCAA championship match and a final AVCA ranking of No. 2 in the nation. Following the 2013 season, McGown was named the AVCA National Coach of the Year and the MPSF Coach of the Year.

In 2014 BYU finished the regular season at 21-9 overall and 18-6 in the MPSF. McGown led the Cougars to a second-straight MPSF tournament title and a trip to the semifinals in the NCAA tournament. BYU finished with a No. 3 national ranking in 2014.

“Chris has been an excellent coach and has had a positive impact in the lives of many student-athletes,” said BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe. “We would like to thank the McGown family for the national respect they’ve brought to the men’s volleyball program.”

Prior to coaching at BYU, McGown worked as an administrator and coach at Gold Medal Squared volleyball camps. He also served as a volunteer assistant coach with the BYU women’s volleyball team from 2009-11. McGown was a three-year letterman at BYU from 1990-94 playing for his father, AVCA and BYU Cougar Club Hall of Fame coach Carl McGown. 

A search for the new BYU men's volleyball head coach will begin immediately. Information about the position can be found at yjobs.byu.edu.