DENVER – University of Denver Men's Golf Head Coach Erik Billinger announced he was stepping down as head coach on Wednesday, following six years as the leader of the program.  
 
"My family and I have decided that it is time for me to step down as the head coach for Denver Men's Golf," Billinger said in a statement posted on social media. "This decision is due to my desire to do what is best for my family. My wife and three precious kids need me and I have a responsibility to be there for them and provide for them the best way possible.
 
"It has been six years since I was given the opportunity to lead the DU Men's Golf program. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity, and every single day for the last six years I have consumed myself with how to make this the best program it possibly can be," Billinger added.
 
"The hardest part of this is how much I genuinely love each of my players. I want what is best for them. I want them to know I will always be there for them and this simply means I will not be your head coach; this doesn't mean that I am gone."
 
Billinger, who also played for the Pioneers from 2000-02, ends his run on top with DU still the reigning Summit League Champions from 2019 since the current season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.
 
During his stretch, Denver improved tremendously both on the course and in the classroom, seeing a 50-60 spot jump in national rankings according to Golfstat to players routinely posting over a 3.5 GPA in the classroom.
 
He made an impact on the recruiting scene, especially with local young players, highlighted by the signing and development of former Regis standout Cal McCoy, who went on to win individual medalist honors at the 2019 Summit League Championship and be named Summit League Golfer of the Year in the same season.
 
He was also named the Summit League Coach of the Year in 2019, the first time he was awarded the honor by the league.
 
Billinger also brings to a close his partnership with women's golf head coach Lindsay Kuhle, who has worked beside him since 2012.
 
"Erik has been a DU Pioneer through and through in his nine seasons here and three as a player," Kuhle said. "Erik cares deeply about his players, the growth of the program, the student-athlete experience and opportunity he helped provide them, and mentoring these fine student-athletes. Erik is selfless, he is always asking others how they are doing and how he can help them. I am fortunate to know Erik for over 20 years now.
 
"He and my brother played golf at DU, my brother was in his wedding, he was my assistant coach for a year and a half when I first took over the program, and he has been like a brother to me while coaching here at DU.
 
"He worked extremely hard, away from his family to help this program succeed and improve in the six years that he was the head coach here. He recruited fine young men to this program. Players that earn above 3.5 GPAs, give back to the community, have a passion for golf, shoot low scores, but most importantly, represent Ron Moore and his vision for this program," Kuhle added.
 
A national search for Billinger's replacement is underway.  
 
CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
For the latest University of Denver updates on the coronavirus, click here.
 
DONATE:
Fans interested in making a donation to the men's golf program can do so by CLICKING HERE. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.  
 
- Our Journey, Our Time -
Like Denver Pioneers and DU Men's Golf on Facebook
Follow @DU_Pioneers and @DU_MGolf on Twitter