In a meeting with Huff, McCullough expressed his desire to pursue other interests.

“We are sad to learn of Coach McCullough’s resignation,” said Huff. “He has had a successful career at Livingstone College and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

McCullough joined the LC Athletics staff in 1994 as head men’s basketball coach. McCullough led the Blue Bears to a 51-105 record during his tenure. In his second season at the helm (1995-96), McCullough became the first LC coach to be honored as the CIAA Coach of the Year. In 1998, McCullough won the team’s first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament game en route to a semifinal appearance.

McCullough’s team finished the 1999-2000 season with a record of 8-17 (4-12 in CIAA), but made history by defeating the Catawba College Indians for the first time in school history.

McCullough graduated from North Carolina Central University in 1959. He played for legendary coach John McClendon, founder of the CIAA

McCullough was one of the most successful high school basketball coaches in North Carolina history, recording five state championships and 16 Final Four appearances. In 32 years, his teams played in eight championship games. His team went to the Sweet 16 an incredible 30 times.

Among others, McCullough coached future NBA players, Junior Burrough, Jeff McGinnis, and Haywood Workman.

In a coaching career that spanned over four decades, McCullough accumulated well over 600 total victories.

Peter Rozzell, who has served as an assistant coach under McCullough since 1997, has been named interim head coach. A graduate of Livingstone, Rozzell earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 1997. The Gastonia native is a member of the National Basketball Coaches Association and the LC National Alumni Association.

Rozzell played guard under McCullough from 1994-1996.

“Coach McCullough has left a coaching legacy that can never be replaced,” said Rozzell. “I will pick up where he left off and continue building the program. Coach McCullough has brought LC to national prominence and I hope to have the opportunity to continue the tradition.”