Aug. 23, 2000

Charlotte, N.C. - Charlotte 49ers men's basketball coach Bobby Lutz has announced that assistant coach Lane Odom has resigned in order to take a similar position with the University of Missouri.

"I'm grateful to coach Lutz and Charlotte for a terrific opportunity. I feel I've benefitted from the fact that coach Lutz allows our staff to have a great deal of input in all areas. There's no better way to learn and develop than from actual experience," Odom said. "As hard as it is to leave a great situation, I'm looking forward to the challenges of coaching at Missouri. Missouri, like Charlotte, has an exciting program that is on the rise. I'm fortunate and anxious to work under another of the best young coaches in the country in Quin Snyder."

Odom has been an assistant coach with the 49ers for two years. He was hired by Lutz, when Lutz was named head coach prior to the 1998-99 season. In two years with the 49ers, Odom has helped the program to back-to-back post-season bids. In 1998-99, the 49ers captured the Conference USA Tournament Championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. In 1999-00, the 49ers reached the NIT.

"Lane has been instrumental in our program's growth," said Lutz. "He has been successful in all facets of our program, especially in recruiting. We wish him the very best at Missouri and are confident he will continue to be successful."

The 49ers recruiting class for the coming season has been ranked in the top 20 by three recruiting experts. The 49ers class is ranked 15th by Prep Stars, 16th by All-Star Sports and 17th by Rivals 100.

In Odom's two seasons, the 49ers posted a 40-27 record, averaging 20 wins in his two years.

Prior to joining the 49ers staff, Odom helped East Carolina assemble a top 20 recruiting class in 1998. He coached with the Pirates from 1995-98. He also served as an assistant coach at Alabama (1991-95) after spending a year (1990-91) as a graduate assistant, there.