Sergio Scariolo stepped down as coach of the Spanish national team on Wednesday after four years on the job.

"I don't know if I'm more emotional now than four years ago when I sat here and took the reins of the national team," Scariolo said.

"I think this (stepping down) is the right decision,” Scariolo added. “It will allow me to spend more time with my family and I think it will give the national team a new challenge.

"I can only have words of thank you. I want to thank the president for giving me the opportunity and my players for the great discipline they always showed. I can only say that I have tried with all my strength."

Under Scariolo, Spain won Eurobasket gold in 2009 and 2011 and claimed silver medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

Juan Antonio Orenga, who has served as an assistant to Scariola since 2009, will take over as head coach of the Spanish national team.

The length of Orenga's contract was not announced.