Bellarmine University athletics director Scott Wiegandt today announced that men’s basketball assistant coach Doug Davenport has been named the 12th head coach in program history.
“Doug has proven during his time at Bellarmine, both in four seasons as a player and in nine seasons as a coach, that he has the acumen to lead a program,” said Wiegandt. “We are confident that he will carve his own path and lead our student-athletes into the next generation of Bellarmine Basketball.”
A guard on the men’s basketball team from 2006 until his graduation in 2010, Davenport was named the Knights’ coach-in-waiting in May of 2022. He replaces his father, Scott Davenport, who guided Bellarmine for the past 20 seasons, taking the program to previously unreached heights.
“Bellarmine University has been part of my life for decades—not just as a player, but as a student, a graduate and as a coach,” said Davenport. “I met my wife, Alex, in Knights Hall, and it is where I’ve built some of the most meaningful relationships of my life. This is truly a full-circle moment for me. My dad built something special here—not just in wins and championships—but the culture and foundation that define Bellarmine Basketball. I’m honored to continue that legacy and build on what he established, ensuring this program continues to grow in the right way.”
The younger Davenport has helped the Knights to a 171-108 (.613) record since joining the staff ahead of the 2016-17 season. During his time as an assistant, Bellarmine came within one game of winning the Atlantic Sun Conference regular season in 2021 and then won the ASUN Tournament championship in 2022.
Following his time as a student-athlete at Bellarmine, Davenport served on the coaching staff at Xavier under Chris Mack, where he earned a Master’s in education in 2012. He went on to serve on Rick Pitino’s staff at Louisville as director of video operations from 2012 to 2015, helping the Cardinals to the national championship in 2013, a Sweet 16 appearance in 2014 and an Elite Eight appearance in 2015. He then moved on to Eastern Kentucky as an assistant coach for the 2015-16 season, where he served under Dan McHale.
“I want to thank Dr. Donovan, Scott Wiegandt, the board of trustees and all of our former players, managers and coaches for trusting us to lead Bellarmine Basketball going forward,” Davenport concluded.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“Doug played an integral role on our staff for three separate teams that reached the national championship, a Sweet 16 and an Elite Eight in consecutive seasons. He is steadfast in his attention to detail, has a strong work ethic and has a true passion for the game. It will be interesting to watch his teams moving forward as he steps in as head coach after a great run as an assistant with his dad, Scotty.” –Rick Pitino, St. John’s head coach
“Doug Davenport is going to be a great head basketball coach. He has the key ingredients, he loves the players and he knows the game. His experience as an assistant has prepared him for this moment. I am thrilled for Doug and Bellarmine Basketball.” –Mick Cronin, UCLA head coach
“[I am] Excited for Doug. He is a hard worker who has learned from one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with. He will do a phenomenal job.” –Kevin Willard, Maryland head coach.
OFFICIAL: Doug Davenport named Head Basketball Coach at Bellarmine
