Veteran coach Tom Penders has decided to step down as Houston Cougars basketball coach, just a few days after his Cougars were knocked out of the NCAA Tournament by Maryland.

An insider tells the Houston Chronicle that the decision comes after meeting with athletic director Mack Rhoades.

Penders, 64, had led Houston to its first tournament appearance in 18 years with the help of the nation's leading scorer, Aubrey Coleman.

In his six years at the school, Penders compiled a 121-77 record. He currently ranks 25th in Division I history with 648 wins and has piloted four different schools into the tournament.