MALIBU, Calif. -- Pepperdine head baseball coach Frank Sanchez will take a permanent medical leave effective immediately, the university announced Thursday.

Sanchez declined to comment Thursday night on the nature of his leave, saying only that it involves an ongoing medical problem.

He said he was grateful for the chance to have coached at the NCAA Division 1 level, and praised coaches, players and staff at the university.

"It's a nice feeling to be able to finish your job and look in the mirror and know you really did the best job you possibly could,'' said Sanchez, 50. "That's a great feeling.''

He said his initial plans are to take life one day at a time, adding, "Hopefully I'll get to watch my kids grow up.'' He has two children, ages 7 and 12.

University officials praised Sanchez, who led the Waves to a 257-161 record and five consecutive league divisional titles during his seven seasons as head coach. The Waves advanced to the NCAA tournament three times -- in 1999, 2001 and 2003 -- and won the West Coast Conference championship in 2001. Pepperdine never finished lower than second in the league standings during his tenure.

"I know this was a difficult decision for Frank because of his competitive nature and passion for coaching,'' Athletics Director John Watson said in a prepared statement.

"His exemplary service to Pepperdine over the last seven years has impacted many people in a positive manner and we wish Frank and his family all of God's blessings.''

The university will conduct a national search for a successor.

Sanchez is the WCC's leader in career victories and had the highest winning percentage among active coaches in league play upon conclusion of the 2003 season.

Before coming to Pepperdine, he was Mike Gillespie's top assistant at the University of Southern California from 1987 to 1996. The Trojans compiled a 392-230-1 record during that time.