"This program has to move forward, and it should have moved forward under my leadership. The best thing is for me to step down," Cooper said. "I really want to thank the administration here at USC. Pat Haden and Donna Heinel and everyone have been very supportive. Coaching these young women at USC has been a wonderful experience for me. I wish nothing but the best for USC and the women's basketball program."
A 5-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, Cooper was never able to lead USC to the NCAA Tournament. The Women of Troy finished 11-20 this season (7-11 in the Pac-12).
"USC women's basketball has a storied heritage, with national championship teams and some of the best players in the history of the sport," said Haden who thanked Cooper for his service. "We believe we should be competing for Pac-12 championships and NCAA bids on a consistent basis. We will conduct a search to find the right person to help us do that."
