"I know very well this was a tough decision for Shawn," Gavin said. "He has accomplished so much here in such a short time. The next coach will have an exceptional foundation to work from."

The Mustangs were 10-20 overall and 7-9 in the Midwest Collegiate Conference in Stimmel's only season at the helm. Prior to arriving at Mount Mercy, he led King College (Tenn.) to the school's first-ever national ranking and then was head coach at St. Mary's University (Minn.) for a season.

"Shawn did a tremendous job with the team this year and his efforts in recruiting resulted in a very good incoming class," said Scot Reisinger, interim vice president for enrollment and student services. "While we are disappointed that he has chosen to pursue an opportunity outside of coaching, I can never fault anyone for wanting to spend more time with their family and that was the case with Shawn."

Mount Mercy, only a year removed from a 20-win season and an appearance in the 2007 conference tournament championship game, has an all-time record of 734-379. The Mustangs have averaged 20 wins per season since 1971. The program has reached 10 national tournaments and counts seven conference titles and 17 all-Americans.

Six returning letterwinners, including first-team all-MCC guard Jessie Dirks from Monticello, will be joined by an 11-member recruiting class for the 2008-09 campaign.