Author Archives: The DirtKing

Wilson inks contract extension at VMI

After leading the basketball program to its greatest single-season turnaround in school history, VMI Head Basketball Coach Andrew Wilson has signed a three-year extension to coach the Keydets through the 2029-30 season. His original contract upon his hire in April of 2022 was a five-year agreement through the 2026-27 season. Today’s extension initiates an additional three years

Continue Reading →

Akron’s Groce extended through 2034-35 season

The University of Akron (UA) and head men’s basketball coach John Groce have agreed to a one-year contract extension, adding to a previously approved 10-year extension, which will run through the 2034-35 season, UA President R.J. Nemer and Interim Director of Athletics Dr. Matthew Juravich announced on Tuesday. The one-year extension is pending board approval.  “Coach Groce has demonstrated

Continue Reading →

D2 DIRT: Lincoln Memorial search update

In today’s Daily Dirt, I mentioned that the job at D2 powerhouse Lincoln Memorial University (TN) had been offered to Lenoir-Rhyne University (NC) head coach Brent Owen. I have now heard from multiple sources that Owen, who led the Bears to a 29-6 record and an appearance in the NCAA D2 Elite Eight this past

Continue Reading →

D’Alessio, Fayetteville State mutually part ways

 Luke D’Alessio successfully accomplished his objective of establishing the Fayetteville State men’s basketball program as a contender in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) when he assumed the role of the 18th head coach in 2019. After five seasons at the helm, Coach D’Alessio and Fayetteville State University have reached a mutual decision to part ways—closing

Continue Reading →

Xavier Basketball Staff Update

Story Courtesy Tom Eiser, Xavier Athletic Communications Xavier University Sedler Family Men’s Basketball Head Coach Richard Pitino announced the completion of his basketball staff, including six members of his New Mexico staff that led the Lobos to Mountain West Conference Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances each of the past two seasons. The new Xavier staff that comes

Continue Reading →

OFFICIAL: Acuff named Head Basketball Coach at Samford

I mentioned Lennie Acuff as the “hot” name at Samford earlier this morning. It’s now official…Samford released the following brief statement on the hiring: Alabama native Lennie Acuff has been named the head coach for the Samford University men’s basketball program. Announced Wednesday by Director of Athletics Martin Newton, Acuff becomes the 30th head coach in

Continue Reading →