The lone openly gay coach in Division I college basketball is relieved his secret is finally out.

In an article published Thursday by USA Today, Bryant University assistant coach Chris Burns described the gradual process that led to him nervously standing in front of the entire team a few weeks ago and revealing his sexuality. Many players responded by hugging him and telling him they loved him, imbuing him with the confidence to share his story with the media. ...

Just like former NBA center Jason Collins and Seton Hall guard Derrick Gordon have forged a path for gay players tired of leading a double life, Burns now becomes a pioneer for closeted coaches. Of the roughly 1,500 head coaches and assistants currently working in Division I men's basketball, the 31-year-old New Hampshire native is the only one who is openly gay.

While it's encouraging that Bryant's players and staff have been supportive of Burns thus far, his job duties dictate that winning over the locker room is only part of the challenge. He also needs to be able to go to high school gyms or living rooms across the Northeast, connect with prospects and their families and recruit at the same level he was prior to Thursday's announcement.