Minnesota men’s golf coach John Means resigned Thursday amid controversy surrounding personal airline tickets he charged to the University.

Means repaid the money, and an audit of the golf program was completed by the University. Attempts to reach Means on Thursday were unsuccessful.

Interim coach Brad James will replace Means, who agreed to stay on staff through the end of the fall semester to ensure an orderly transition.

Men’s athletics director Tom Moe will consider a search for a new coach within the next year.

Means served as Minnesota’s head coach since 1991, helping the program return to national prominence. The team has made eight consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament, including a Big Ten-high four straight trips to the finals.

In 1998, Means coached James McLean to the NCAA individual title while guiding the team to a 7th place finish – highest since 1944.

– David La Vaque