After an extensive nationwide search, Robert Ford has been named the head coach for the Saint Xavier University men’s basketball program. Ford becomes the seventh head coach for the Cougars since the program tipped off for the first time in 1970-71. He arrives at SXU after being the head coach at NCAA Division II Salem University in Salem, West Virginia for the past two seasons with a record of 24-14 and was with the Tigers since 2017-18 as an assistant coach and was named associate head coach in 2018-19.
Ford has experience at the NAIA level, being an assistant coach at Our Lady of the Lakes University (Texas) from 2015-17. The Saints reach the Quarterfinals of the NAIA Division I Tournament in his first season in 2015-16. He was an assistant coach at Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas in 2014-15 and was an assistant coach at Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas in 2013-14. He began his collegiate coaching career in 2011-12, coaching two seasons at Texas A&M University-Commerce, where the Lions reached the Lone Star Conference twice.
Ford began his coaching career at Grand Rapids Christian High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan by serving as an assistant varsity coach and head junior varsity coach for two years. He played collegiately at Eastern Michigan University from 2005-07 and transferred to University of South Alabama and helped the Jaguars win a program record 26 games in 2007-08 and an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament. Ford earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Eastern Michigan and his master’s in higher education administration from Salem.
Saint Xavier Athletic Director Allison Kern had this to say about coach Ford: “We are excited to welcome Robert Ford to Saint Xavier! This position attracted an exceptional group of candidates, which speaks to the reputation of our program and recognizes the opportunity we have to succeed at a high level. Coach Ford separated himself with a clear vision for developing our athletes and a track record of success every stop of his career. Coach Ford is universally respected in the college basketball ranks for a tireless work ethic and a genuine care for building relationships. I have no doubt that he will elevate our department, not just men’s basketball, in the way he shows up every day.
From coach Ford: “First and foremost I want to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity. I’m humbled and grateful to be the next head men’s basketball coach at Saint Xavier University. Thank you to Allison Kern, Kurt Patberg, and the entire search committee for their confidence & belief in me and my vision for the program. My family and I are excited to get to Chicago to join the Cougar family”
