Doug Bruno resigns after 39 seasons due to health concerns
- Doug Bruno, the head coach of DePaul women's basketball, stepped down after 39 seasons due to health reasons.
- During his tenure, he won 786 games and led the team to significant achievements, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
- His departure is a substantial change for the program, prompting a national search for a replacement.
In early 2025, Doug Bruno announced his decision to step down as the head coach of the DePaul women's basketball team after an impressive 39-year tenure at the school. His resignation follows a season he missed due to health issues, highlighting his commitment to ensuring the continuity and success of the program that he has led since 1977. Bruno's long-standing relationship with DePaul began in 1968 when he received a basketball scholarship from the renowned Coach Ray Meyer. He has dedicated his life to the university, serving in various roles over 44 years, including ticket manager, facilities director, academic advisor, and athletic administrator. Throughout his career, Doug Bruno achieved remarkable success as the head coach, accumulating 786 wins, which ranks him 18th in all-time Division I history. Under his guidance, the Blue Demons made 25 NCAA Tournament appearances and secured 19 conference titles, reaching the Sweet 16 four times and maintaining a ranking in the AP Top 25 for 221 weeks. Such accomplishments have solidified Bruno's legacy and have had a profound impact on women's basketball at the national level. Bruno's leadership not only transformed the DePaul women's basketball program but also fostered the development of numerous players who have transitioned to professional leagues; 15 former players were drafted by the WNBA, including notable All-Star Allie Quigley. His successful administration is not only marked by victories and championships but also by significant contributions to the growth of women's sports, particularly in Chicago, his hometown. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022. As he transitions into a new role as special assistant to the vice president/director of athletics for women's basketball, the university plans to launch a national search for his successor. His departure marks the end of an era for DePaul women's basketball, leaving behind a legacy characterized by excellence and dedication to the sport. Many in the basketball community have expressed their admiration for Bruno's commitment, signaling the significance of his departure and the hope that his impact will continue through his new role and the program he helped build.