CONWAY, S.C. - Coastal Carolina University men’s basketball head coach Cliff Ellis announced his retirement in a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
 
Associate head coach Benny Moss will serve as the team’s interim head coach, effective immediately. Ellis will conclude the final months of his contract supporting the university with special projects.
 
"I planned to retire at the end of the season," Ellis said, "but in fairness to my players and my coaching staff, I wanted all of them, but especially the staff, to have a chance to show what they are made of. This is a team that has good players, and this is a good coaching staff. I thank Coastal Carolina for giving me the opportunity 17 years ago to come to this wonderful place. It has been an invigorating experience to participate in the growth and impact that this university makes. I deeply appreciate President Benson and athletic director Matt Hogue for their support in this process."
 
The 2023-24 campaign was Ellis’ 49th overall as a head coach and 17th at Coastal Carolina. He owns a 909-576 (.612) overall record including a 297-227 (.567) mark leading the Chanticleers. His career win total ranks 15th all-time as a collegiate coach and his 831 victories at the NCAA Division I level ranks ninth.
 
In the Sun Belt Conference’s inaugural 1976-77 campaign, Ellis was in his fifth season overall and second at the University of South Alabama – one of the six charter members of the league. He compiled 111 wins in Sun Belt contests which ranks tied for fifth all-time.
 
Ellis is one of just 10 coaches all-time to lead four different Division I programs to the NCAA Tournament (South Alabama, Clemson, Auburn and Coastal Carolina).