Ohio State men’s gymnastics coach Miles Avery resigned his position with the team Wednesday to pursue other opportunities.

“We appreciate everything coach Avery has done to keep Ohio State as one of the elite men’s gymnastics programs in the nation,” said Heather Lyke, associate athletics director for sport administration, in a press release. “He has built traditions, sustained success and positively impacted the lives of our student-athletes, developing them into leaders academically, athletically and personally.”

Avery will be exploring different ventures including gymnastics camps, clinics and public speaking.

“If ever I was going to do it, now’s the time,” Avery told The Lantern.

Avery served as assistant coach with the Buckeyes from 1989 to 1997 and took the reins as head coach in 1998. In his 13 years at the helm for the Buckeyes, he earned one NCAA title and five Big Ten championships. He is a three-time recipient of USA Gymnastics Coach of the Year and five-time recipient of Big Ten coaching honors.

“One of the highlights of my college coaching career is that I could win an NCAA title at home,” Avery said.

His coaching expertise extends beyond his work with OSU. He served as assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic teams in the last four Olympic games.

Last season, former Buckeye Brandon Wynn won a national championship with an NCAA-high 16.3 on rings, etching his name in the OSU record book. Wynn is one of six Buckeyes who earned a national title under Avery.

“We’ll see if hopefully Brandon Wynn makes that next run and that I can be there at the next one (Olympic games) to help him achieve his goal of being an Olympic medalist,” Avery said.

The decision is effective immediately and assistant coaches Blaine Wilson and Doug Stibel have been named as interim co-head coaches.

Wilson and Blaine are in their seventh and 10th seasons, respectively, with the Buckeyes. Avery has complete confidence in the tenacity of the pair.

“Without a doubt Blaine Wilson, three-time Olympian, that just about says it all,” Avery said.