David Blatt has resigned as coach of the Russian national men's basketball team, the sport's federation said Tuesday.
The American Israeli coach, 53, spent seven years at the helm of the national team, most recently winning bronze at the London Olympics, where the United States won gold.
"It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement as coach of the Russian national team," Blatt was quoted as saying by the federation. "A team that was a significant part of my professional life."
Blatt combined the national role with head coaching duties at Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and also took Russia to the Eurobasket title in 2007, and the bronze in 2011.
"My decision is based exclusively on the feeling that now is the right time. I'm doing this for personal reasons. Our joint achievements have been exceptional and have a historical significance."
Russian Basketball Federation president Alexander Krasnenkov told R-Sport, meanwhile, that a replacement would be found before the end of the year.
"It's important we get a good coach, we're in no rush," he said.
Krasnenkov said Blatt had simply grown weary after seven years in the position.
"The guy's tired. He works at the club and with the national team all year round. He said he wants to see what it's like to have a summer off. I understand him completely."
Blatt's parting gift to the team, a bronze medal in London after defeating Argentina, was "a worthy end" to his work, Krasnenkov said.
