Ken Lolla leaves the University of Louisville soccer program far better than he found it, but without a clear destination or a defined goal.

One month removed from winning the Atlantic Coast Conference championship, Lolla abruptly resigned as coach of the U of L men’s program Tuesday after 13 seasons and with four years remaining on a five-year contract.

During an afternoon interview at his Hurstbourne home, Lolla repeatedly maintained that he had no firm plans for a next job.

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“We were told we’d probably be called crazy,” Lolla said. “(But) I also believe we’re prepared for what’s coming next. When you have the ability to create value, I believe the marketplace will reward you for that value.”

Though Lolla is leaving a position scheduled to pay him a $330,000 salary through 2019, then $350,000 through 2022, his confidence in his ability to create value is probably justified. His U of L record (155-77-39) includes 11 NCAA Tournament appearances and two Elite Eight appearances in the past three years.

Soccer remains a nonrevenue sport at the college level, but the competition for elite coaches is keen. Maryland coach Sasho Cirovski, who won his third NCAA title on Sunday, has a pay package that was reportedly worth $602,000 as of last year.

“I think we’ve done a tremendous job,” Lolla said. “Most importantly, first and foremost, of helping young men grow, to reach their potential and we’ve done that by using the vehicle of soccer while striving to win championships and be competitive. We’ve done that very, very well.

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“(But) we’ve never measured our success by the championship and the wins. It was in striving to win that we forced and nurtured the growth in the kids. The competition is important. It’s absolutely critical. Without the striving for something, it’s very difficult to create the environment that you need to grow and change.”

Lolla said he was “not running from anything” and is open to another coaching opportunity, but he anticipates his next move might be more of a family enterprise. He explained his decision and outlined his plans leaning heavily on plural pronouns to include his wife of 30 years, Tina.

“Our mission — you might even say our ministry — is in helping people and helping people to reach their potential,” Lolla said. “... Tina and I are taking this walk in faith. I believe this, and I believe this strongly, that I needed to release where I am right now to receive what’s coming next. And from an integrity standpoint to this program as well.

“I can’t give everything I have to this program if I’m making deals somewhere else.”

Lolla shared his surprise decision with U of L athletic director Vince Tyra at a meeting Tuesday morning. He had been in contact with his players mainly through text messages as of Tuesday afternoon.

“We respect Ken and Tina’s decision and wish them the best,” Tyra said in a prepared statement. “We have enjoyed great success over the last 13 years under Ken’s leadership and appreciate his contributions to our program and community. Our university has made significant investments into our soccer program through resources and facilities, and the loft goals of our program will continue moving forward. We will begin a national search for our next head coach immediately.”

For his part, Lolla said he believed Louisville soccer "can and will win national championships."

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"The neighborhood we live in — the ACC — it promotes that. It promotes success. We’ve been fortunate to live in that neighborhood and to grow it. So I think it’s going to reach higher levels, even still."

In terms of his own career, Lolla expressed reservations about trying to reach the higher level of professional soccer.

"I’m not sure I’d want to jump in the MLS right now to be honest with you," he said. "It’s like jumping out of a 100-story building. You have no control.

"... It’s an exciting place, but I’m not sure it’s a place I want to be right now."

Tim Sullivan: 502-582-4650, tsullivan@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @TimSullivan714. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/tims.