Smithfield, RI (Best E Casino) - Ohio University men's head basketball coach Tim O'Shea resigned on Monday to take the same position with Bryant University in Rhode Island.

O'Shea joined the Bobcats in March of 2001, and in those seven years he compiled a record of 120-95. Prior to his arrival at Ohio, he spent 16 seasons as an assistant at Boston College, Rhode Island and Yale.

Taking the job at Bryant marks a return to the New England area for the Boston College graduate.

"We appreciate all the support and the friendships we made," said O'Shea about his tenure at Ohio. "It was really emotional for me when we were packed up and driving out of town."

O'Shea's career in Ohio was highlighted by a battle with Florida in the 2005 NCAA Tournament where the Bobcats took the Southeastern Conference champion Gators down to the wire in a 67-62 defeat in Nashville.

Also at Ohio U, where the coach was under contract through the 2009-10 season, O'Shea captured a Mid-American Conference championship and posted two 20-win seasons.

"I would like to thank Tim O'Shea for all he has contributed to our program during his tenure," said Ohio athletic director Jim Schaus. "We certainly understand Tim's desire to get close to home."

The focus for O'Shea now shifts to a school in Smithfield, Rhode Island as the Bulldogs are set to begin a four-year transition from Division II to Division I as a member of the Northeast Conference.

"We are thrilled to have a coach that brings a great amount of respect throughout the country to lead our program into Division I," said Bryant athletic director Bill Smith. "Tim is an outstanding coach who has enjoyed success everywhere he has been, not only in terms of wins, but in graduating student athletes. It's a great day for the Bulldog Family."

O'Shea is replacing Max Good on the Bulldog bench after the former coach left this offseason to take an assistant job at Loyola Marymount University.