Saskatchewan Rattlers head coach steps down after championship season

The head coach and general manager of the Saskatchewan Rattlers has announced he is stepping down after winning the team's — and the league's — first championship.

The team announced Greg Jockims's decision Tuesday. Jockims will stay on as an advisor, the team said.

"We thank Greg for his contributions to the Rattlers during its inaugural season," said Rattlers President and Chief Operating Officer Lee Genier in a news release. 

"Along with his coaching staff, Greg built a championship club in its first year and took the Rattlers to the pinnacle of the CEBL."

In August, the Rattlers won the inagural Canadian Elite Basketball League championships after beating the Hamilton Honey Badgers 94-83.

Jockims said he was stepping away from a full-time role on the team to focus on his family and business.

Before the Rattlers, Jockim coached the University of Saskatchewan's basketball team from 1998 to 2011, taking them to seven straight playoff appearances.

"I have nothing but positive things to say about the Rattlers organization and the CEBL," said Jockim in the release.  

"I look forward to seeing what the team can do in their second season. I am keen to continue to assist the organization in any way that I can."

The Rattlers said they had begun a global search for Jockims' replacement. The team said an announcement would be made soon.