ROCHESTER, Mich. — Oakland University’s president announced his retirement on the same day his wife was relieved of her duties as coach of the school’s women’s basketball team.
Gary Russi said Wednesday he will retire after nearly 20 years heading up the 19,000-student suburban Detroit university.
Athletic director Tracy Huth also announced Wednesday that Russi’s wife, Beckie Francis, was relieved of her position.
It was unclear if there was a connection between Russi’s decision to retire and Francis’ removal.
Asked by The Detroit News if Russi was leaving because of Francis’ situation, university spokesman Ted Montgomery said: “I do not know that to be true.”
Francis wrote on Twitter that she was looking forward to the “next phase of life.”
“Gary & I have talked about retiring for a while now it’s time for both of us. Wish Oakland the best.”
