Overview of Recent Coaching Transitions

The 2024 collegiate basketball season has seen a flurry of coaching changes across various programs, as schools look to revitalize their rosters and strategies. Here’s a rundown of notable coaching transfers:

Key Coaching Departures and Arrivals

• Otis Hughley has departed from the Bulldogs and is succeeded by Donte’ Jackson, previously of Grambling State. This marks the Bulldogs’ sixth coaching transition since ascending to Division I in 1998.
• Landon Bussie has exited after five seasons with the Braves to accept a position at Chicago State, with his replacement yet to be determined. The Braves last celebrated a SWAC victory in 2002.
• Bryan Hodgson leaves his 45-28 record at Arkansas State for South Florida in the AAC. Ryan Pannone, a former assistant at Alabama, will step in as his successor.
• Scott Davenport, a long-standing figure at Bellarmine, retires after achieving significant milestones, including a national title. His son, Doug Davenport, will take over.
• In a three-year run of coaching changes, Phil Martelli Jr. transitions to VCU, paving the way for Jamion Christian, a former head coach at Mount St. Mary’s and George Washington, to step in at Bryant.
• Following a 15-17 finish, Kevin McGeehan was dismissed from Campbell. He will be replaced by John Andrzejek, who has recently celebrated a national championship with Florida.
• At Chicago State, Scott Spinelli has been replaced by Landon Bussie after a difficult season concluding with a 4-28 record.
• Daniyal Robinson has left Cleveland State for North Texas, while Rob Summers, an assistant under Dennis Gates, steps back into the bullpen.
• Colorado State’s Niko Medved left for a position closer to home, resulting in the promotion of Ali Farokhmanesh, noted for a pivotal NCAA tournament shot against Kansas in 2009.
• After assessing their performance, Columbia ends a nine-year relationship with Jim Engles and appoints Florida’s Kevin Hovde.
• Amid internal issues leading to Jeff Wulbrun being placed on leave, Denver has yet to announce a new head coach as of this update.
• Ben McCollum makes a move to Iowa, and Eric Henderson of South Dakota State is selected for the head coaching role at Drake.
• Mike Magpayo departs from UC Riverside for a new challenge at Fordham, while the latter is tasked with finding his replacement.
• Lennie Acuff moves to Samford, presenting a significant opportunity for understanding the competitive landscape in the ASUN conference.
• Over at Iona, Tobin Anderson departed and Dan Geriot, a New Orleans Pelicans assistant, has been named as the new head coach.

Continuing Trends in Coaching Changes

The trend of instability continues within college basketball programs as many institutions opt for quick changes in coaching staff to respond to performance concerns. Various schools have placed emphasis on hiring coaches with fresh perspectives and proven records to enhance their competitive standings.