In a move that marks the end of an era in college basketball, Doug Bruno has announced his retirement as head coach of DePaul University’s women’s basketball team.
The Chicago native and DePaul alum who transformed the Blue Demons into a national powerhouse joined in 1988 and stepped down after 39 seasons, leaving behind a legacy of excellence to the game.
Health Concerns Lead to Difficult Decision
Bruno’s departure comes after a health-related absence that began in September 2024. His announcement on March 28, 2025, closes a remarkable chapter in DePaul’s athletic history, though he will continue to shape the program’s future in his new role as Special Assistant to the Vice President/Director of Athletics for Women’s Basketball, effective May 1.
Bruno’s retirement follows a challenging period for the legendary coach. In September 2024, he took a medical leave of absence following an unspecified health incident that required recovery at home.
Though details about his medical condition remain private this extended absence marked the first time in his career that Bruno stepped away from the sidelines for an entire season.
BREAKING: DePaul’s Doug Bruno has stepped down as head women’s basketball coach, sources told @On3sports.
He will assume a new role as special assistant to the AD, effective May 1. pic.twitter.com/mHyOgrF2G2
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) March 28, 2025
While recovering, associate head coach Jill Pizzotti took over as interim coach, upholding the program’s competitiveness within the Big East conference. Bruno’s decision to officially retire instead of resuming his head coaching role implies that health factors were the prime drivers of this career change.
After dedicating over half his life to the program and the 2024-2025 season spent away from the court likely provided perspective on his future.
The announcement is made at the end of the basketball season, which allows for a reflection-filled transition into new leadership while still maintaining Bruno’s presence in the form of his advisory position. This managed exit preserves his legacy while prioritizing his well-being after nearly four decades of the demanding rigors of head coaching.
Building a Dynasty in Chicago
Under Bruno’s leadership, the Blue Demons became synonymous with consistent success. His impressive 786-405 record includes 25 NCAA Tournament appearances and four Sweet 16 berths. Most remarkable was DePaul’s streak of 18 consecutive tournament appearances from 2002 to 2020, which established the program as a perennial contender.
Bruno’s fast-paced coaching style and player development philosophy made DePaul a Big East force after joining the conference in 2005. His teams captured three regular season titles and three tournament championships, elevating the university’s national basketball profile during his nearly four-decade tenure.
Despite never advancing beyond the Sweet 16, Bruno’s teams were known for maximizing talent, often turning under-recruited players into stars. This development-focused approach became a hallmark of his coaching philosophy and helped maintain program excellence even without the recruiting benefits of larger institutions.
His 2022 induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame acknowledged his enormous contributions to the growth and development of women’s basketball across the country. Locally, his impact was equally significant with inductions into multiple Chicago area halls of fame.
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The Chicago kid who stayed home leaves behind a transformative legacy. Bruno’s career path from playing under legendary coach Ray Meyer to building his own coaching legacy reflects his deep connection to DePaul and Chicago basketball.
As DePaul searches for his successor, Bruno’s influence remains indelible, a coach who didn’t just win games but elevated an entire program and sport. In the words of many throughout the basketball community today “the game is better because of you, Coach.”
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