(May 23, 2008 - Ann Arbor, Mich.) -- Coming off the heels of one of the most successful seasons in Concordia women's basketball history, head coach Joshua Steffen was gearing up for an even better 2008-09 season. That was before the administration at Concordia-Chicago came calling and offered Steffen the head job there giving him an offer to good to refuse. This week, Steffen informed new Athletic Director Ben Limback that he will be moving to the Windy City to head up the Cougar program in two weeks.

Steffen was surprised by the offer and the immediacy of his move to Chicago, but since the program is much closer to his family and his hometown in Wisconsin, he felt the timing was right with the Concordia-Ann Arbor program in much more solid footing then when he inherited it.

"I do not leave Ann Arbor without feeling for my players, those who are returning and the new players we were bringing in," said Steffen. "I do feel that the next coach in Ann Arbor will have a great group of players to work with and the program will remain strong. However, a chance to move closer to home and take over a program such as the Cougars was just too good to pass up at this time. My heart will always be with the players I am leaving and I will follow them as closely as one could."

Steffen's final day as the Cardinal head coach will be May 30. Limback will be conducting a national search to find a replacement as soon as possible.