Coaching Changes in College Basketball: Key Updates for 2023-24
The landscape of college basketball is constantly evolving, with coaching changes becoming a routine part of the offseason. As we enter the 2023-24 season, several significant transitions have emerged within various programs. Below is a summary of the current coaching changes across different colleges:
Coaching Departures and New Arrivals
1. Georgia Southern Eagles
Out: Otis Hughley | In: TBD
After three seasons, Hughley exits the Bulldogs, marking the program’s sixth coaching change since moving to Division I in 1998.
2. Chicago State Cougars
Out: Landon Bussie | In: TBD
Bussie departs for the Chicago State position after five seasons in the SWAC. The Braves last secured a SWAC title in 2002.
3. Arkansas State Red Wolves
Out: Bryan Hodgson | In: Ryan Pannone
Hodgson left after a successful tenure to join South Florida in the AAC. Pannone, known for his diligent coaching style, steps in at Arkansas State.
4. Bellarmine Knights
Out: Scott Davenport | In: Doug Davenport
Davenport retires after 20 seasons and numerous accolades, handing the reins to his son Doug, who has been part of the staff for nine years.
5. Bryant Bulldogs
Out: Phil Martelli Jr. | In: TBD
Martelli leaves for VCU, prompting Bryant to seek its third head coach in as many years after a recent NCAA tournament appearance.
6. Campbell Fighting Camels
Out: Kevin McGeehan | In: John Andrzejek
Following a 15-17 season, McGeehan was let go. Andrzejek will replace him after concluding his assistant role at Florida.
7. Chicago State Cougars (Again)
Out: Scott Spinelli | In: Landon Bussie
Spinelli’s one-year tenure ended after a challenging season, and Bussie returns to Chicago after a successful five years at Alcorn State.
8. Cleveland State Vikings
Out: Daniyal Robinson | In: TBD
The Vikings’ coach departs for North Texas after a successful stint that brought 65 wins during his three seasons.
9. Denver Pioneers
Out: Jeff Wulbrun | In: TBD
Wulbrun’s contract was not renewed after four seasons marked by a mid-season leave for undisclosed reasons.
10. Colorado State Rams
Out: Niko Medved | In: Ali Farokhmanesh
Medved returns to his roots in Minnesota, while Farokhmanesh takes over after a successful run as an assistant at CSU.
Further Moves and Promotions
11. Columbia Lions
Out: Jim Engles | In: Kevin Hovde
Engles exits post nine seasons without a winning record. Hovde, a former assistant under Kyle Smith, takes over the reins.
12. Drake Bulldogs
Out: Ben McCollum | In: Eric Henderson
Henderson becomes the latest addition to the coaching carousel following McCollum’s departure for Iowa.
13. Fordham Rams
Out: Keith Urgo | In: Mike Magpayo
Urgo took the Rams from a record of 25-8 in his first year to a struggle this season, leading to Magpayo’s hiring from UC Riverside.
14. Iona Gaels
Out: Tobin Anderson | In: Dan Geriot
Anderson’s exit prompts Geriot’s promotion from the New Orleans Pelicans, transitioning to a college program after the tumultuous last season.
Legacy Transitions
15. La Salle Explorers
Out: Fran Dunphy | In: Darris Nichols
Dunphy, a veteran of close to 50 years in coaching, leaves a legacy of over 600 wins while Nichols is chosen to lead amidst ongoing financial challenges.
Conclusion
These coaching changes highlight the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of college basketball. As programs seek to build stability and success, the outcomes of these new hires will be closely watched as the season unfolds. With fresh leadership, schools aim not only to improve performance but to enhance their reputations within the collegiate athletics landscape.