The Bakersfield Jam today announced that Head Coach Jim Harrick will be stepping down due to personal reasons following the team's game Dec. 29 against the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

Sean Rooks, the team's assistant coach and a veteran of 12 NBA seasons as a player, will take over the reins as interim head coach. His first test will come on Jan. 4 when the team visits the Utah Flash.

Harrick posted a 19-31 record last season, but the team finished strong, recording a 6-2 mark to close the campaign. This year the Jam currently stand at 3-14.

"It is with great sorrow that I relieve myself of coaching duties with the Bakersfield Jam," said Harrick. "I'd like to thank the ownership group and entire organization for the opportunity to help bring such a high level of basketball to the people of Kern County. Despite our slow start this season, I am confident the team is heading in the right direction, and my only regret is not finishing the job I started."

Harrick's distinguished coaching career spans five decades and includes a national championship won at UCLA, a national coach of the year award, three Pac-10 titles, an Atlantic 10 tournament championship and five West Coast Athletic Championships.

The native of Charleston, West Virginia, began his collegiate head coaching career at Pepperdine University in 1979 where he led the school to four NCAA Tournament appearances. In 1988 Harrick replaced Walt Hazzard at UCLA and won the national championship seven seasons later. He then went on to lead Rhode Island from 1997-99 and Georgia from 1999-2003. After his tenure with the Bulldogs, he retired from coaching and worked as a college basketball analyst.

"We're sad to see a man with such a great coaching pedigree and ambassador to the sport leave the Jam. Of course, we respect his decision and will provide any support he needs throughout his future endeavors," said Jam majority owner Stan Ellis.

Rooks, 38 began his NBA playing career after starring at Arizona. He was the third selection in the second round of the 1992 draft by the Dallas Mavericks, the team with which he spent his first two seasons. The 6-10 former center also had stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets, and Orlando Magic. He posted career averages of 6.2 points and 3.8 rebounds.

The Jam has already embarked on a search for Harrick?s permanent replacement with Rooks  as one of the potential candidates. Harrick has agreed to assist the team in their search in any way needed.