The Cinderella story only ends happily for Jeremy Gunn and Stanford.

Just a couple weeks removed from leading Charlotte to the national championship game, Gunn has resigned from the program to accept the job as the Stanford men’s head coach.

The 49ers had provided soccer fans with the warm and fuzzies by making their somewhat surprising run through the NCAA Tournament, before losing to North Carolina, but now they can add their name to the intriguing list of programs with coaching vacancies.

Gunn leaves after five seasons at Charlotte and a record of 64-26-14. He undoubtedly helped raise the profile of the program and the 49ers didn’t let him walk without a fight.

“The Chancellor and I made a competitive, substantial offer to Jeremy to try to keep him as our coach," Charlotte Director of Athletics Judy Rose told Charlotte’s athletic website. “We are disappointed in Jeremy's decision but understand the appeal of Stanford and wish him well.”

The appeal of Stanford is, well … Stanford.

The Cardinal is in a bit of a lull, having missed the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons with losing records, but Gunn may be just the man to restore the spark. 

Gunn brings a West Coast flavor to the table, having graduated and initially coached at Cal-State Bakersfield.

He succeeds former Stanford coach Bret Simon who resigned in November after 11 years at the helm.