The principal driving force behind my decision to step away was my two daughters. I want to make sure the two of them are getting the best I have and I struggled to give them that with the demands of being the head coach. – Chris McGown

PROVO — BYU men's volleyball coach Chris McGown announced his resignation as the program's head coach on Tuesday in order to spend more time with his family while seeking other business opportunities. McGown served as the head coach of the Cougars from 2012-15, accumulating a record of 88-31 and capturing two Mountain Pacific Sports Federation titles.

“The principal driving force behind my decision to step away was my two daughters,” McGown said. “I want to make sure the two of them are getting the best I have and I struggled to give them that with the demands of being the head coach."

In his four years coaching for the Cougars, McGown worked well to re-establish the program's prestige on the national stage, concluding his coaching career at BYU second all-time in program history in winning percentage (.739) and third in total victories (88). He led the Cougars to back-to-back MPSF regular season titles in 2013 and 2014, BYU’s first conference titles since 2004.

McGown was named the AVCA National Coach of the Year in 2013 along with being named the MPSF Coach of the Year that same season.

Considering his list of accomplishments, and relative young age, McGown's resignation came as a surprise to those who follow the program.

After taking his team to consecutive NCAA final fours, the 2015 squad experienced a bit of a down year and was knocked out of the first round of the MPSF playoffs. Most of the relative struggles last season could easily be attributed to a very young and inexperienced team, a team that saw good success in what McGown described as, "a rebuilding year."

Considering the returning experience, along with the return of 2013 AVCA National Newcomer of the Year Ben Patch from missionary service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, McGown's replacement should be walking into a great situation.

"I really like the attitude and the talent," McGown said of his team after the 2015 season. "We're used to competing for a national championship every year here, that's the expectation. This last year, it was a rebuilding year, but I feel we should be able to continue to improve and play that much better next year should guys keep improving and working like they should."

The search for a new coach will start immediately, according to BYU's press release.

McGown expressed gratitude to the BYU fans and to everyone involved with the volleyball program upon resigning.

“I’ve felt so much support from our staff, from our administration, and of course, our amazing fans," McGown said. "Most of all, I’ll miss the association with our athletes — they are young men of talent, commitment and character. It’s been an honor to go to work with them every day.”

The administration, in turn, expressed well wishes upon his departure.

“Chris has been an excellent coach and has had a positive impact in the lives of many student-athletes,” said BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe. “We would like to thank the McGown family for the national respect they’ve brought to the men’s volleyball program.”

Email: bgurney@desnews.com

Twitter: @BrandonCGurney