Story: Adam Nelson (@HD_DirtKing)
I am on the run today but wanted to get a few quick things out there this am. Will have more later today…
Veteran Coach Emerging as Frontrunner in Samford Search
It sounds like the search at Samford is wrapping-up. Earlier this week, I mentioned former Stanford and UAB head coach Jerod Hasse here. The hottest name here now is Lipscomb head coach Lennie Acuff. The Alabama native and coaching veteran has been at Lipscomb since 2019. His team went 25-10 this past season, won the ASUN, and appeared in the NCAA Tournament. Acuff has now won 20 games or more in three straight seasons at Lipscomb and holds a 643-395 (.619) career mark in 34 seasons as an NCAA head coach. UPDATE: It’s done – Acuff has been hired. More HERE.
D2 Powerhouse Makes an Offer
I have heard from multiple sources that D2 Lincoln Memorial has offered their job to Lenoir-Rhyne head coach Brent Owen. Owen became the head coach at Lenoir-Rhyne last spring, and led the Bears to a 29-6 record and an appearance in the NCAA D2 Elite Eight this past season. Prior to that, he orchestrated a major turnaround at Eastern New Mexico, guiding the program to its most successful season in over 30 years with a Lone Star Conference title and NCAA Tournament berth. Owen also spent nearly a decade at Southern Indiana, helping lead the Screaming Eagles to a Final Four appearance and multiple 20-win seasons. UPDATE: Owen has decided to remain at Lenoir-Rhyne more HERE.
Columbia Bolsters Staff with Key Addition from Pac-12 and Ivy Ranks
I have heard that Stanford assistant recruiting coordinator Matt Elkin is joining the staff at Columbia as an assistant. Prior to his time at Stanford, Elkin spent four seasons as the DBO at Yale, and was a part of a staff that went to the NCAA Tournament in 2022 and 2024. Elkin also served as a GA at Northeastern. More on the rest of new head coach Kevin Hovde’s staff shortly.
For a full list of coaching changes across NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO levels, check out the 2025 Coaching Changes Tracker presented by D1.relocation [HERE].
