Grier to stay at San Diego rather than pursuing Oregon State job

4/3/2008 6:15 PM

SAN DIEGO (AP) -Bill Grier said Thursday that he'll remain the coach at the University of San Diego rather than pursuing the vacant job at Oregon State.

``I have decided to stay at USD because I strongly feel in my heart that this is what is best for me and my family right now,'' Grier said in a statement released by the school. ``USD is a great place and I look forward to working with our staff and players to continue building on what we have started here.''

Grier interviewed for the Oregon State job on Monday.

Grier led the Toreros to the NCAA tournament and a 22-14 record in his first year as head coach.

USD won 14 of its final 16 games. The Toreros beat Gonzaga to win the West Coast Conference tournament, then upset Connecticut for the school's first victory in the NCAA tournament. The Toreros lost to Western Kentucky in the second round.

Grier received a contract extension just before the NCAA tournament.

``We are extremely excited that Bill and his family are staying with our team at USD,'' athletic director Ky Snyder said in a statement. ``We look forward to him and his staff continuing their successful ways with this team and program. We couldn't be more excited.''