Forrest leaves LSU basketball staff

The LSU men’s basketball office again has a “vacancy” sign on the door.

The school announced Monday morning that assistant coach Shawn Forrest, who followed new head coach Johnny Jones from North Texas, has resigned his position.

A news release from the university cited only personal reasons as the explanation for Forrest’s abrupt departure.

“I appreciate the opportunity given to me by coach Jones and LSU,” Forrest said in a university news release. “There are some personal matters that have taken a priority that I need to give immediate attention.”

Forrest came to LSU in April from North Texas along with fellow assistant Charlie Leonard.

Leonard remains on the staff along with first-year assistant coach Robert Kirby and director of basketball operations Tom Kelsey.

Jones has begun a search to replace Forrest on the Tigers coaching staff, according to the news release.

“I will move quickly to fill out the coaching staff so we can continue preparations for the coming season,” Jones said. “I thank Shawn for his contributions, and will continue to support him in his future pursuits.”

An attempt to reach Jones for further comment Monday was not successful.

A native of Little Rock, Ark., Forrest was on Jones’ staff the past four years at North Texas. He was considered a prime recruiter for Jones at North Texas but Kirby, who comes to LSU from Georgetown, also fills that role.