Florida Gulf Coast men’s basketball head coach Pat Chambers announced the addition of FGCU alumni and former FSW head coach Darrin Wallace to the Eagles’ coaching staff ahead of the 2026-27 season.
“We are thrilled to add Darrin Wallace to our staff,” Chambers said. “Darrin has proven himself as an outstanding head coach, recruiter, and mentor throughout his career. His ability to develop players, build meaningful relationships, and connect within the community makes him a tremendous addition to our program. He understands the culture of Southwest Florida and brings valuable experience that will positively impact our student-athletes both on and off the court.”
“I’m honored to be joining coach Pat Chambers‘ staff and the FGCU basketball family,” Wallace said. “This program has a strong tradition of success, and I’m excited to work alongside an outstanding staff and talented group of student-athletes. I’m eager to contribute in every way possible as we pursue championships.”
Wallace returns to The Nest for the third time after a one-year stint as the Eagles’ video coordinator in 2010-11 and playing in the inaugural season of FGCU men’s basketball in 2002-03.
Most recently, he spent two years as the head coach at FSW. The 2025-26 Citrus Conference Coach of the Year, Wallace posted a 41-18 mark at the helm of the Buccaneers program, including a 24-7 record in Citrus Conference action. The Bucs went 23-8 (13-3 Citrus) in 2025-26 en route to a Citrus Conference championship. In his first year as head coach, he led FSW to an 18-11 (11-5 Citrus) record
He spent two years as the assistant coach at Florida SouthWestern prior to his elevation to the head coach role. In those two seasons, he helped guide the Bucs to a 42-18 record and a 19-9 mark in conference action while helping FSW to the FCSAA State Tournament in both seasons. Wallace helped continue the tradition of sending players onto the next level as in those two seasons, 14 Buccaneers earned NCAA Division I scholarships.
Prior to FSW, Wallace spent time coaching at the high school level. In 2018, he was voted the Class 3A FABC Coach of the Year after he led Canterbury School to a state runner-up finish. In 2010-11, Wallace served as the video coordinator at FGCU.
Additionally, Wallace has coached some of the best AAU teams in the country. He coached Nike Team Florida in the EYBL and Florida Elite, Team Knight, CP25, and Southeast Elite on the Adidas Circuit. Wallace has coached over 100 players that have moved on to the Division I level.
As a player, Wallace played at Hillsborough Community College from 1999-2001. In his sophomore season, HCC won the Suncoast Conference championship. He was voted First Team All-Conference while averaging 14 points and 4 assists per game. He continued his playing career at Division II Pfeiffer University before transferring to FGCU for his senior year in the inaugural season of FGCU basketball.
