The University of Minnesota’s head coach Meg Stephenson has resigned from the program today.

Her husband Jim Stephenson, a volunteer coach with the program, was accused of sexually harassing one of the gymnasts on the Minnesota team. Coach Stephenson sided with her husband against the athlete, and both she and the university “failed to take effective steps to end the harassment and remedy its effects,” according to a claim filed by the student at the federal Office for Civil Rights.

When the investigation into the sexual harassment claims began, Stephenson also allegedly “expressed overt hostility” toward someone at the university. A letter of discipline dated July 7 stated that she had violated the university’s anti-retaliation policies.

What happened between Stephenson and the university after July 7 to cause her to resign is currently unknown. This morning, athletic director Norwood Teague releasing the following statement:

After careful consideration, this department felt the need for a change to women’s gymnastics for the good of the students and the program. In the past year, the University conducted two investigations into student and employee complaints about the program. Following those investigations, the athletics department took prompt and appropriate action to address the concerns. Now that those internal investigations are closed and completed, we are looking to the future of the program.

Stephenson, 2014 Big Ten Coach of the Year, brought her team to Regionals every year since 1997 and helped them finish in the Top 10 at the NCAA Championships three times in her career.

The program’s current associate head coach Jenny Hansen and assistant coach Louie Johnson will remain in their positions while a new head coach is sought.

Article by Lauren Hopkins
Photo by Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune