Dear Stanford Family,

When I came to Stanford, my hope was to coach here until I retired. While that isn’t able to happen, I will always cherish my seven years on the Farm.

As many of you have probably heard, I have accepted the head coaching job at Louisiana State University. Before I am off to my new home, I wanted to share a few things with you:

I believe in Stanford.

I believe in the University. I have always thought that the professors trying to cure cancer or solve major world issues would be more important than the basketball coach. Stanford is much bigger than one person, particularly when that person is some guy who gets to coach basketball for a living.

I believe in Stanford Basketball. One of the first things I did when I became the head coach at Stanford was try to reinvigorate the basketball alumni — which I think we did. We had record attendance at our first ever alumni weekend in 2005. I was very excited about the big event in the works for this September. I was proud to be able to continue and, thankfully I believe, add to the program’s tradition.

I believe in Stanford student athletes. I have never been around a more impressive group of young men and women. I have always tried to surround myself with the best people possible. Specifically, I can honestly say I am better individual and coach because of this group of young men. I want to thank our players — and our staff — for making my job easy.

The Stanford community has been incredibly gracious to my family and me. During my time as an assistant and most recently as head coach, the fans have been great supporters of our program. I will miss the many friends I made here.

I also want to give a big plug — and a big thanks — to the 6th Man Club. You guys made Maples an absolutely brutal place to play for our opponents. You were fantastic supporters of our players and our program. Also, I always enjoyed the post season dinners with 6th Man members — you guys helped keep my job fun.

There are too many people for me to name that have made my time here extra special and are responsible for our success, but I am confident that they know who they are. Thank you.

Just know that I will always be cheering for the Cardinal — and I wouldn’t mind if you did a little cheering for the Tigers either.

Thank you again for a wonderful seven years and the opportunity to be a part of something so special.

Warmest Regards,

Coach J

Trent Johnson is the former coach of the

Stanford men’s basketball team.