Two months before the start of the 2004-05 men’s basketball season, former University of Maine coach John Giannini will chart a new course for the La Salle University Explorers while the Black Bears are left little time to explore their options.

Dr. Giannini made official Monday afternoon what had been rumored for days as he announced he would become La Salle’s new head men’s hoop coach at a university press conference in Philadelphia.

“The timing makes a move harder, but it still doesn’t change what’s best for your family and your career,” Giannini said. “We’ve had two other offers on the table over the years and didn’t take them. We love Maine and it’s very hard to leave.”

Ironically, Giannini interviewed at LaSalle three years ago, but opted to stay at Maine.

“Before, when we [Giannini’s family] had this chance, we went with our hearts over our heads,” he said. “This time we went with our head more than our heart.”

Giannini replaces Billy Hahn, the man who was hired in 2001. Hahn resigned last month after it was alleged he failed to report a sexual assault by a La Salle player.

As Giannini gears up for a whirlwind orientation period at La Salle, Maine officials are already springing into action to find his successor.

“I spent most of the last few days making phone calls and putting feelers out there. I ask them to get back in 48 hours and I’ll continue to narrow down a list,” said UMaine athletic director Patrick Nero. “I haven’t made any final decisions. An interim coach is always a possibility, but at this time, it’s not a direction I’m looking to go. I do think when you start a search, it’s my responsibility to do just that.”

UMaine associate head coach Ted Woodward, Giannini’s top recruiter who has been at Maine the last eight seasons, would likely be a top candidate to replace Giannini.

“Ted has done a wonderful job as John’s top assistant and he does share the values we have in our programs,” said Nero. “If he’s the best candidate, I would be happy to have him as our head coach.”

Giannini wouldn’t comment on whether he might bring some of his UM assistants (Woodward, Calvin Oldham and Michael Burden) with him to La Salle.

“That is uncertain. I hope to decide on that in the next week, but it will be affected by what happens with Maine’s coaching search,” Giannini said.

“He wants to wait and see if one of his assistants gets the head job here and then go from there,” said Nero.

Nero said he expects to have a lot of candidates for the job, based on the “way the phone has been ringing the last couple days” and although he would like to hire a new coach as soon as possible, he’s not going to rush the process.

“I’d like to have my decision made in a few weeks,” said Nero, who acknowledged he has three people he declined to identify who will be advising him during his search. “Given the timing of this opening, I expect most of the candidates to be top assistant coaches at major programs, rather than head coaches.”

Giannini said his familiarity with the area (he coached at New Jersey’s Rowan College for seven seasons prior to coming to Maine), the presence of family members in the area, La Salle’s history and tradition, the quality of the league (Atlantic 10) and the availability of plenty of activities and events for wife Donna and daughters Brianna, 11, and Jamie, 6, were primary reasons for his decision to leave Maine.

“To have that and the type of package that gives you long-term benefits and security … That’s what you want for your family … And that’s what made it tough to pass up,” he said. “It’s a job in one of the top conferences in the country and a tremendous tradition. It’s hard to say no to this kind of basketball opportunity.”

La Salle sports information director Kale Beers said details of Giannini’s contract would not be released due to school policy.

Giannini called his returning players Saturday to tell them about his decision.

“I was very flattered that a couple guys were sad and a number of others were very understanding,” he said. “Others were fine because they know they’ll have a good team and coach anyway.”

Two-year starter and All-America East second-team member Kevin Reed greeted the news with sadness and apprehension.

“I’m a little disappointed he left, but if I had that kind of opportunity for my family, I’d probably do the same thing. I wish him the best of luck,” said the junior guard, who led the AE in steals and guard rebounding.

Although he’s nervous about who will replace Giannini, Reed says he and his teammates still expect to be one of the teams playing for a spot in the NCAA Tournament toward the end of the season.

“I’m sure I can speak for me and all the other guys on the team when I say I’d like the new coach to be someone who’s already part of the team,” he said. “But what can I do? I’m just a player.

“The way I see it, coach doesn’t score baskets or play defense, and I think we have a great core group of guys coming back.”

The 42-year-old Giannini, who holds a doctorate in kinesiology (University of Illinois) and master’s degree in physical education (U. of North Texas), had a record of 125-11 in eight seasons at Maine and led the Bears to their only two 20-win seasons (20-10 last season and 24-7 in 1999-2000). His UM teams finished as America East conference runners-up twice in the last three years and advanced at least as far as the AE tourney semifinals five of the last six.

The Chicago native and four-year letterman (basketball) has a lifetime winning percentage of .663 (293-149) in 15 seasons with Rowan and Maine.

The late timing of Giannini’s departure complicates Maine’s search for a replacement, but Nero said he understands Giannini’s decision to leave.

“It’s not like it’s the middle of the season or a week before, so it’s not as bad as it could be, but there’s never a good time to lose,” Nero said. “I’m happy for him and I don’t hold it against him. We’re on good terms. He’s done things the way we ask and we’ll be rooting for him… unless he’s playing Maine.”