Ben Johnson, the only assistant coach to make the transition from Tony Bennett’s coaching staff to Ken Bone’s, is leaving the WSU men’s basketball program.

The departure was announced on Tuesday, ending Johnson’s nine-year coaching stint in crimson and gray. He saw the Cougars appear in the NCAA Tournament twice, the National Invitation Tournament twice and the College Basketball Invitational once.

“We’re sorry to see Ben leave the program,” WSU Head Coach Ken Bone said in a press release. “He has contributed a tremendous amount not only during my four years here at WSU, but also over the past nine seasons.”

Johnson is moving to Cairns, Australia, within a couple weeks, according to the Spokesman Review.

“I want to thank everyone at Washington State University for their genuine care and support over the past nine seasons,” Johnson said in a press release. “My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of Cougar Nation and the University community. I want to wish Coach Bone, our coaching staff and players the best of luck and continued success.”

The announcement comes just over two months before WSU kicks off their 2013-14 season on Nov. 8 against CSU Bakersfield.