SALT LAKE CITY – Weber State men’s basketball head coach Randy Rahe announced that he is retiring following a storied coaching career.

The Wildcats shared the announcement on Monday, May 16.

“More than being the winningest coach in Weber State and Big Sky Conference history, Randy Rahe has exemplified running a program with integrity,” Weber State University President Dr. Brad Mortensen said in a statement. “With Coach Rahe at the helm, we have always held our heads high. On behalf of the university, I sincerely want to thank Randy for being a model coach and the contributions he’s made to Wildcat basketball and all of Weber State.”

After 16 seasons and as the Big Sky’s all-time winningest coach, Weber State head coach Randy Rahe is retiring!

Thank you coach for all you have done for Weber State! #WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/3UrrlKc0mE

— Weber State MBB 🏀 (@WeberStateMBB) May 16, 2022

Rahe, 61, served as Weber State’s head coach since 2006.

“Randy Rahe’s impact and legacy at Weber State and our men’s basketball program cannot be overstated,” Weber State athletic director Tim Crompton added. “He has been an outstanding coach and has also impacted the lives of hundreds of young men in a positive manner away from the game of basketball. His passion, dedication, loyalty, and genuineness have made him a pillar in the community. His record speaks for itself and we thank him for his time here and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.”

Eric Duft Promoted

Rahe’s assistant Eric Duft has been promoted and will take over as the Wildcats’ next head coach. Duft is Weber State’s 10th head coach as a Division I program.

“We are excited for coach Duft to begin his tenure as the head coach at Weber State,” Crompton said. “His high character and passion for the game bode well for building the next phase of success and championships at Weber State.”

Longtime Weber State assistant coach Eric Duft has been named the new head coach of the Wildcats.

Coach Duft becomes the 10th head coach in Weber State’s Division I history.

Let’s go @ericduft!

📰 https://t.co/UCTBSrTbad#WeAreWeber pic.twitter.com/ypHTXUoGoq

— Weber State MBB 🏀 (@WeberStateMBB) May 16, 2022

Damian Lillard on Randy Rahe’s Retirement

Former Weber State and current Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard shared his thoughts on Rahe’s retirement.

“Great career! Greatest coach in BigSky history. Thankful to have been apart of his program ! The most solid,” the NBA guard tweeted.

Great career! Greatest coach in BigSky history. Thankful to have been apart of his program ! The most solid 💪🏾 https://t.co/v517FO9wRc

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) May 16, 2022

Lillard played under Rahe’s coaching at Weber State from 2008-12.

About Randy Rahe

After a playing career at Buena Vista from 1978-82, Rahe entered the coaching world as a high school coach in 1985. Rahe got his first college coaching job as an assistant at Colorado College in 1988.

Before becoming Weber State’s head coach in 2006, Rahe coached as an assistant at Colorado College, Colorado, Denver, Colorado State, Utah State, and Utah.

During his time with the Wildcats, Rahe coached Weber State to five Big Sky Conference regular season titles and three Big Sky tournament championships.

He was honored as the Big Sky’s Coach of the Year four times.

Rahe finished he career with a 316-191 record.

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