Dickey steps down as Houston coach

Houston Cougars head coach James Dickey resigned Monday due to private family matters.

ESPN.com reported that Houston Rockets assistant Kelvin Sampson is being targeted as Dickey’s replacement.

Sampson was fired from Indiana in 2008 and hit with a five-year show cause by the NCAA after being caught making impermissible phone calls. He has since worked as an assistant in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and Rockets.

Dickey had a 64-62 record in four seasons at Houston, including a 20-13 mark in 2012-13. The Cougars were 17-16 this season, including a 3-4 record against Top 25 teams.

“This has been a difficult decision to make,” Dickey said in a statement released by the school. “I continually preach to my players about being an everyday guy, and the balance of your personal and professional life is a major part of it. With that being said, I have a family matter that requires my time and energy, and I will regretfully step down from my current position at the University of Houston.”

Dickey holds a career record of 217-196.

“I am extremely grateful for Coach Dickey’s contributions to our basketball program and our Athletics Department, both on and off the court, and his decision to step down comes with great heartache for all involved,” said Houston vice president for intercollegiate athletics Mack Rhoades. “Coach Dickey is not only a great person and coach but a great mentor for all of our student-athletes and entire staff. He made so many of us in our department better.”