Mars boys basketball coach Rob Carmody steps down after 26 years
When the Mars boys basketball team takes the floor for the first time this December, it will mark the official start of a new era.
Rob Carmody, who guided the program since the 1998-99 season, informed players and parents of his intent to step down before announcing his decision Tuesday on social media.
“For the last 26 years I have been proud to represent the Mars School District as the Boys’ Basketball Coach,” Carmody said Tuesday evening on Twitter/X. “During that time, I was fortunate that my family and work responsibilities aligned with the demands of overseeing our basketball program.”
Carmody said in his statement the company he owns is in the midst of a “transitional opportunity,” and he’s “disappointed that I am stepping away from coaching and working with kids.”
For the last 26 years I have been proud to represent the Mars School District as the Boys’ Basketball Coach. During that time, I was fortunate that my family and work responsibilities aligned with the demands of overseeing our basketball program.
— Rob Carmody (@CoachRobCarmody) August 28, 2024
Carmody said in an interview his love of basketball and coaching has not wavered, but the responsibilities from his professional and personal life would be stretched too thin during the high school season.
“It’s a situation where I just can’t continue to own a business, be a husband and a dad and coach a high school basketball team,” he said. “Something had to give. I talked to my family and prayed about it.
“Between playing and coaching, I’ve been involved in basketball at either the high school or college level for the past 38 years. So this was a very tough decision, but it’s the right one for me, my family and Mars basketball. I don’t want to continue to coach if I can be only 75% into it.”
Mars has made the WPIAL playoffs 17 straight years. The Planets went 10-13 last season and lost to Franklin Regional 67-50 in the Class 5A first round.
Carmody surpassed 400 career wins last season and stands at 408. He coached the Planets to two WPIAL titles (2018, 2019) and two trips to the state championship game (2016, 2018).
“All the wins, the 17 straight playoff appearances, the WPIAL championships, those things jump out at you,” Carmody said. “But I think about the relationships I’ve formed with people over the years.
“One of my first captains on the team was Neil Sullivan. He’s now the Director of Athletics at the University of Dayton. I’ve coached so many young men who have gone on to successful careers, successful lives. It’s been an honor for me to be part of their journeys.”
Carmody said he does not consider this to be a retirement from basketball.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be too far away from the game,” he said. “Maybe I’ll help out somewhere as a volunteer scout. For me to get back into coaching full time, everything would have to align for me. It would have to be the right situation.
“Whatever Mars decides to do, fill the (head coaching) position from within the program or outside, I will support them. I love the program.”
