Jim Kelson Stepping Down due to Medical Reasons

MARYVILLE, Tenn. - Scots head men's golf coach Jim Kelson is stepping down due to medical reasons, effective immediately.

"In his short time with us, Coach Kelson brought new energy and rich expertise and had our Men's Golf program on track for a strong build over the next several years," Director of Athletics Andrew Wu said of Kelson. "The quality of our first-year class is a clear reflection that he was exactly the right person to lead. We're all saddened that Jim won't be able to continue his strong work, but we are 100% in his corner as he recovers. I'm looking forward to identifying our next head coach quickly and appreciate Coach Lawley filling in until that time."

Kelson was best known in coaching for his extended stint as head coach at the University of Tennessee, where he coached for 20 years, leading 20 players to the pros and an overall record of 2,024-1,422-56, which ranks as the second-highest win total in Vols history. He led the program to 17 NCAA Regional appearances and seven trips to the NCAA Championship Finals, and he was also named the 2007 SEC Coach of the Year. 
As the coach of the Scots, Kelson improved the team in many facets, including bringing in an impressive recruiting class and developing the players already on the team. 

Women's golf head coach Jesse Lawley will assume the duties related to the men's golf head coach job while a national search is conducted for the next head coach of the Scots. 

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Coach Kelson wrote the following:

"I am normally very proficient at expressing myself on paper.  However, in this particular instance, I am not sure I can properly convey my sense of gratitude to the Maryville College Community and everyone associated with Maryville College Golf that has so graciously supported our program. I knew from the moment I stepped on campus at Maryville College that something was uniquely different.  Every single individual I ever encountered was helpful, positive, and did everything with a smile on their face.  I thought to myself, 'well, that's a pretty cool thing'.  
 
Then I became ill.  The outpouring of support I received from all my colleagues at Maryville College has equaled that of my own immediate family.  I have worked at MC for only 14 months; I barely had time to get to know everyone, on a personal level. Yet, Maryville College coaches & staff have felt like lifetime friends! To further illustrate this point, a Maryville College employee was working on very important paperwork for me at 1:52am this past SUNDAY morning!  I have never had anyone go this far for me in my life.  It was one of the highlights in my life to know that there is hope for humanity.  
 
Finally, I must say one last thing that is very devastating to me.  
 
I have coached for 31 years.  At no point in my career did I ever feel the bond that existed among this staff at Maryville.  It was by far the tightest group I had ever been a part of. I only briefly got to know everyone.  I would tell my wife and others "All these Coaches around here are REALLY GOOD ".  Every time a Coach spoke—It was something bright and relevant.   I was truly looking forward to learning and growing as a Coach from this group. 
 
I say all of this not to fill everyone in on Jim Kelson's experience.  Not at all.  
 
What I want everyone to know is that if any parents or guardians are deciding between Maryville College and another institution of higher learning, and your child's well-being is at the top of a priority list, you could NEVER find a finer place to send your son or daughter.   
 
Last, I want to Thank all my Players and Recruits.  You guys have a very, very special place in my heart. You know why.  You listened and accepted my advice.  Certainly was not always right, but you knew I was in your corner.  This meant the World to Me. I was truly looking forward to being your Coach for several years. You are precisely the types of young men that make coaching such a pleasure.  You all have tremendous perspective.  I will attribute this in a large part to your incredible parents.  
 
While I need to step down, I do intend on supporting Maryville College in any way I can.  It was truly one of my life's greatest experiences."  
 
Sincerely,
 
Jim Kelson