ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University men's basketball coach Tim O'Shea is tackling a new challenge.

O'Shea resigned after seven seasons with the Bobcats to take over as head coach at Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I. Bryant is beginning a four-year transition from the NCAA Division II ranks to Division I.

The Bulldogs will be joining the Northeast Conference.

Meanwhile, the Ohio Bobcats are searching for a replacement.

"I would like to thank Tim O'Shea for all he has contributed to our program during his tenure," said Ohio director of athletics Jim Schaus in a news release. "We certainly understand Tim's desire get close to home and wish him the very best in the future."

"We are in the process of a national search whose objective is focused on hiring the very best coach we can hire in the country. I am confident we will be able to hire a quality coach that will lead us to the highest level of excellence for Bobcat basketball in the future."

O'Shea said he is looking forward to returning to the New England area, being closer to family and to the challenge of taking Bryant to the next level. His parents live in New England.

Leaving Ohio, however, was a very tough decision, he said.

"I was an assistant coach for 17 years before Ohio University gave me the opportunity to be a coach," he said. "I am so grateful to the university, the administration and the department for everything."

O'Shea compiled a 120-95 record at Ohio with one Mid-American Conference championships, two postseason berths and a pair of 20-win seasons.

The Bobcats were 20-13 last season and played in the inaugural College Basketball Invitational. O'Shea led Ohio to the NCAA tournament in 2005.

"This is a tremendous day for Bryant University," said athletic director Bill Smith. "We are thrilled to have a coach that brings a great amount of respect throughout the country to lead our program into Division I."

O'Shea replaces Max Good, who left for an assistant's job at Loyola Marymount.

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