GW women’s head coach Joe McKeown said he declined the men’s coaching position which was offered to him one day after Tom Penders resigned April 20 because he did not want to leave a program he built and transformed into a winner.

“It was an honor they thought that high of me,” McKeown said. “But we’re comfortable on the women’s side.”

McKeown said he was ready to move on.

“It’s over and I’m ready to put it behind me,” he said.

McKeown said accepting the men’s job would have been disloyal to his players who have built the tradition the women’s team has established.

That tradition includes making the NCAA Tournament in nine seasons, once advancing to the Sweet Sixteen and once to the Elite Eight.

McKeown interviewed twice with members of the Athletic Department for the men’s head coaching position.

McKeown had led the field of candidates interested in the position, but pulled out of the race May 5. University of Connecticut assistant coach Karl Hobbs was later named men’s coach.