Minnesota Duluth men's basketball coach Gary Holquist has stepped down after 14 seasons to become director of development for Bulldogs athletics.

"The timing is right for me to make the move into administration, in which I personally view this position as the most important and needed departmental hire over the past decade," Holquist, 54, said in a prepared statement.

"My intimate knowledge of the athletic department, institution, and community -- which includes all of our athletic alumni, boosters, and donors -- will assist in the immediate formation of the type of relationships that our department is seeking."

Holquist, who had a 206-197 coaching record, guided the Bulldogs to the NCAA Division II tournament in 2001-02 and 2002-03.

The school has launched a national search for a new coach.

Good Read: Is the joke on Twins and their fans in 2012?, a blog by Tim Bouvine.

On the Road to Grandma's: The 1,800-entrant field for the 2012 Fitger's 5K Run & Walk, sponsored by Grandma's Marathon, has reached its capacity and registration is now closed. The 3.1-mile race will be held Saturday, April 21 at 9 a.m.

Photo: Bulldogs men's basketball coach Gary Holquist. UMD Athletics. Used with permission.