Providence Christian searching to replace boys basketball coach Michael Couey

After just one season at the helm of the Providence Christian Academy boys basketball team, Michael Couey will not return for the 2019-20 school year.

Couey will devote his time and attention to Elite Amateur Basketball, a club that has teams participate in AAU and other amateur youth tournaments. He is president and founder of the organization.

PCA would not confirm whether Couey resigned or whether his contract was not renewed.

"At this time our family has decided that we are going to pursue other opportunities within the basketball world," said Couey, a former basketball standout at Oakland High and Belmont.

Couey replaced David Farrar prior to the 2018-19 season but PCA played only a junior varsity schedule in his lone year. He will finish the school year teaching at PCA.

"Coach Couey will continue to focus on the EAB program of which he is the president," a statement released by Providence Christian said. "His departure in no way signals a shift in the vision for PCA athletics."

"We are committed to putting forward the most competitive teams possible and are excited about our affiliation with Division II-A of the TSSAA," said PCA athletic director Tara James, whose girls basketball program captured the DII-A state title in 2019.

Couey, 42, was a two-sport star at Oakland prior to his graduation in 1996. He was one of the program's top basketball players, leading the Patriots to a AAA semifinals appearance in 1996 and was the No. 1 singles player on the Patriot tennis squad, reaching the state semifinals in 1996.

"We are thankful for the relationships we have made with students, players and families while being back in Murfreesboro," said Couey, who has also coached at CPA, Bartlett, La Vergne and Cannon County.

The search will begin immediately for a the school's third boys coach in three years.

"I am confident we will find someone who fits the mission of our school and the vision we have for athletics," James said.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.