OSHAWA, Ont. - After 16 years of dedication, Durham College men's basketball head coach Desmond Rowley is stepping aside, leaving behind a legacy of success and a profound impact on the college's athletic community.

Rowley departs his head coaching position on a high note, leading the team to their second-ever OCAA championship title and the program's second ever CCAA national medal (silver) in Montreal this past week.
 
"On behalf of Durham College, I want to sincerely thank Coach Desmond for his dedication, leadership and passion for our men's basketball program," said Scott Dennis, Director of Athletics & Recreation. "Desmond has been an incredible mentor to countless student-athletes and his impact on our program and college community will be felt for years to come."
 
Stepping away from the job as the current longest serving head coach at Durham College, Rowley has led the program since 2008. Prior to his promotion, he spent time as the men's basketball assistant coach from 1998-1999 and 2004-2008.
 
Rowley immediately turned a 10-10 team from the previous year into a contender with 16 wins in their 20-game regular season, leading the Lords to the OCAA championship in his third season for the first time since 1998.
 
Through 16 seasons, Rowley led the Lords to a combined regular season record of 188-110 for a .630 winning percentage, and a 274-190 record in all competitions.
           
Under his leadership, the Lords won the OCAA championship and a CCAA silver medal this season and earned bronze medals in 2015 and 2024.
 
Rowley was named the OCAA coach of the year in 2023 and the east division coach of the year in 2024.
 
"It's been the honour of a lifetime to lead this program and watch so many young men grow on and off the court since 2008. While it's time for me to step aside as head coach, I'm excited to stay connected in a mentorship role and continue supporting the next generation of Durham Lords basketball."
 
Desmond will stick around with the program for the 2025-26 season, offering his expertise during the transition.
 
A new head coach will be announced in the coming weeks.