Jeff Grayer has decided to return to Michigan.

Grayer was hired as an assistant by former ISU coach Greg McDermott. When new coach Fred Hoiberg was hired, he offered Grayer a position as an administrative assistant.

Instead, Grayer will return to Michigan to be a recruiter and coach on the floor.

“After working in an administrative role for the past several months, I realized how much I really want to coach and recruit,” Grayer said in a news release. “Given the change in responsibilities, I believe it is in my family’s best interest for me to return to our home in Michigan and be closer to them.”

According to NCAA rules, Hoiberg may only hire three full-time assistant coaches. Two of the spots have been filled by Bobby Lutz, the former head coach at Charlotte University, and T.J. Otzelberger, a fifth-year assistant with the program.

“Jeff wants to be able to recruit and be on the floor coaching the players,” Hoiberg said. “Unfortunately, NCAA rules only allow us to have three assistant coaches.”

Grayer was an All-American during his playing days at Iowa State from 1985-88. Grayer is also the all-time leading scorer in ISU men’s basketball history with 2,502. Hoiberg is third all-time with 1,993.

“Jeff is an icon for this institution and he will continue to be an outstanding ambassador for Iowa State University and the basketball program,” Hoiberg said. “I certainly understand and respect Jeff’s desire to be a coach, and I also support his desire to get closer to his family.”