Red Deer College could soon be on the hunt for a new coach to guide the Kings Basketball team.

After eight years as head coach of the Kings and kinesiology instructor at RDC, Craig Behan has made his resignation official.

Behan will stay on at the University of Victoria, where he will pursue his PH-D and continue to serve as an assistant coach with their basketball team.

The three time ACAC coach of the year has been on a one year sabbatical from the college since the summer, when he announced he would be spending the 2010-2011 year on Vancouver Island.

“During my tenure of stay at Red Deer College, I learned numerous skills such as a solid work ethic, corporate politics, level of excellence, passion, leadership, organization, focus, classroom management and developing relationships,” Behan said in a statement.

“Special thanks to Linda Moore Martin, Al Ferchuk, Keith Hansen, and Sharon Hamilton; these skills will be of great value to me in my future career path. I have nothing but amazing memories and positive stories of Red Deer College. It was a truly a vital institution in my personal progress. This is a sad but happy day for me, as I leave behind great people but look forward to the future at the same time.”

During his eight years as bench boss, Behan posted a 125-47 regular season record, led the Kings to eight straight playoff appearances (including four “Final 4” appearances) and was instrumental in setting up the HOOPS and Summer Camp program.

He also coached Alberta’s under-17 team to a silver medal at the 2008 National Championships.

Stefan Labrecque, who teaches at Notre Dame High School, has been coaching the Kings this season on an interim basis during Behan’s absence, and there’s no word yet if he’ll be named the permanent head coach.

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