Bryant men's basketball coach Jared Grasso − on leave since September − resigns

Jared Grasso has resigned as the head men's basketball coach at Bryant University, effective immediately.

Grasso posted a statement to his personal social media accounts Monday morning announcing his decision. He’s been on leave from the school since September.

"It is with mixed emotions that I announce my resignation as the head men’s basketball coach at Bryant University," Grasso wrote. "My role as a father and husband is everything to me.

"The rigors of a coach’s lifestyle and three young children can make that extremely challenging. My mental and physical health must come first at this time."

Grasso has been away from the Bulldogs for more than two months. The school elevated Phil Martelli Jr. to acting head coach.

Grasso also had a misdemeanor charge brought against him by North Smithfield police dismissed last week. He was arrested after allegedly leaving the scene of an accident on Route 146. The drivers and occupants of the second vehicle involved in the incident agreed to withdraw the criminal complaint after Grasso’s insurance carrier covered damages in full.

More: Phil Martelli Jr.'s name is famous but the Bryant basketball coach still has something to prove

Grasso closed 79-67 overall at Bryant and led the program to its first NCAA tournament since elevating to the Division I ranks. The Bulldogs swept regular season and tournament titles in the Northeast Conference in 2021-22. Grasso was rewarded with a long-term contract extension that stretched through the end of the 2026-27 season.

"The last 5 1/2 years were special," Grasso said. "We laughed and thought a lot. And we shed more than a few tears along the way."

Grasso came to Bryant from Iona and replaced Tim O’Shea after the 2017-18 season. The Bulldogs either matched or raised their win totals in each of his first four years, culminating in a 22-10 mark during a run to March Madness. Bryant was eliminated by Wright State at the First Four in Dayton, and Grasso remained with the Bulldogs despite interest from schools like La Salle and Massachusetts.

"I have been blessed to coach in 10 postseason tournaments in the past 13 years − the culmination being our 2022 NCAA Tournament team," Grasso wrote. "Which was a special group who overcame true 'adversity' and learned about life along the way. I love you guys."

Bryant moved to the America East last season and closed 17-13 overall. The Bulldogs were picked third in the league in the 2023-24 preseason poll, and Grasso was set to coach a roster featuring at least two returning all-conference candidates. Bryant is off to a 1-2 start under Martelli, including a 66-57 road loss at Rutgers on Sunday.

"This year's group has the strongest character and most winning experience of any we have ever assembled," Grasso wrote. "Continue to love and play for each other. The best is yet to come."

Grasso coached the Bulldogs through summer workouts before the university began its course of action early in the first semester. His arrest was unrelated to the school’s decision – police released a 30-minute video of body camera footage that featured Grasso and his wife, Andrea, in conversation with a town patrolman at their North Smithfield home.

"For the last 25 years I have chased this game relentlessly with a results-oriented mindset," Grasso said. "My obsession and discipline with work, competition and winning championships is in my blood. But for now, my mental health and surgically repaired back need to be tended to."

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Jared Grasso resigns as Bryant University men's basketball coach