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Roger Reid will not return as the men's basketball coach at Southern Utah, the school announced Thursday.

During his five years in Cedar City, Reid compiled a 54-97 record, including 14-17 this season.

At a news conference, school officials characterized Reid's departure as a retirement. But the decision comes as his original contract with SUU expires and one year after there were internal discussions among administrators about firing him.

"Coach Reid is a dear friend," said Southern Utah President Michael Benson. "I will always admire and appreciate his work ethic and commitment to the young men he has coached."

SUU moves from the far-flung Summit League to the Big Sky Conference next year.

In a statement released by the school, Reid said, "I will miss this great group of young men. I have coached so many fine players in my career, and this group ranks up there with the best of them.

"They have worked their tails off on the floor, they have performed in the classroom, and they will certainly make noise in the Big Sky. This program is in great shape."

Reid has been a face on Utah's sports scene since his days as an all-state baseball and basketball player at Springville High in the mid-1960s.

From 1978-96, Reid coached at BYU. He was the head coach for the final eight seasons.

Two successful Division II coaches with Utah ties could be on SUU's radar screen as a replacement for Reid.

They include Dixie State's Jon Judkins and BYU-Hawaii's Ken Wagner.

Judkins is a Salt Lake City native who attended Utah State. He has compiled a record of 123-74 in seven seasons at Dixie, including 20-6 this season.

Wagner, who previously coached at Lehi High School and Dixie, has been at BYU-Hawaii for 21 seasons. He owns a record of 409-190, including 17-10 overall and 14-4 in the Pac West Conference this year.

Others who could emerge as candidates for the job include Utah State assistant Chris Jones, former Utah and Louisiana Tech head coach Kerry Rupp, Utah assistant Tommy Conner, former BYU coach Steve Cleveland and BYU women's coach Jeff Judkins. —

Reid's record

Coach Roger Reid spent five seasons at Southern Utah:

Season Record Pct.

2007-08 11-19 .367

2008-09 11-20 .355

2009-10 7-22 .241

2010-11 11-19 .367

2011-12 14-17 .452

Total 54-97 .358