Kevin Carroll, a coaching veteran known for transforming basketball programs, has been named the new head coach of the Lipscomb University men’s basketball program, Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson announced today.
Carroll returns to Lipscomb after leading Trevecca Nazarene University for the last two seasons to record-breaking success in NCAA Division II, including the most wins in program history and the school’s first-ever South Region Poll ranking. From 2019 to 2023, Carroll served as an assistant coach for the Bisons, helping recruit and develop multiple all-conference players.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin back to Lipscomb,” Hutcheson said. “Kevin is an elite basketball mind. More importantly, he embodies the values of Lipscomb University and is gifted at building meaningful relationships with young people — as evidenced by the deep connections he maintains with former and current players. That says a lot about his character. He sees where the game is and where it’s going, and his ability to navigate change and elevate programs is exactly what we need at this exciting time for Lipscomb basketball.”
“Coach Carroll has proven himself time and time again as a leader who builds programs the right way — with integrity, vision and a commitment to excellence,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “He understands the role athletics can play in shaping lives of student athletes and is a coach who lives out the values that define our community. We’re excited to welcome Kevin and his family back to Lipscomb.”
Carroll steps into the role following one of Lipscomb’s most successful Division I seasons, which included the program’s second NCAA tournament appearance, its fourth ASUN regular season championship and a third straight 20-plus win season — a milestone achieved only once before in the Division I era. He succeeds Lennie Acuff, who last week announced his departure to become head coach at Samford University.
“I am honored and extremely humbled to have the opportunity to lead such a storied program as Lipscomb Basketball. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the people who have come before me and the level of success that has been reached,” said Carroll. “My staff and I will work tirelessly to maintain the standard that everyone has come to expect while shining a light on one of the top Christian universities in the country. I can’t wait to get started…Horns Up!”
A native of Wildwood, Georgia, Carroll has more than 25 years of coaching experience, including 12 as a head coach at the high school and collegiate levels. Most recently, he served as head coach at Trevecca, where he orchestrated one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college basketball during the 2023–24 season, increasing the team’s win total by 14 games and tying a school record for wins. The following season, Trevecca shattered program records in total wins, conference wins and earned its first South Region ranking.
As head coach at Maryville University-St. Louis from 2010–2017, Carroll led the program through a successful transition from NCAA Division III to Division II, set a program record with 23 wins, and guided the Saints to their first 20-win season in 35 years. His teams included multiple All-Conference honorees and the program’s first GLVC Player of the Year and DII All-Americans. As the head coach at St. Pius X Catholic High School from 2003-2006, Carroll helped turn the program around from a six-win team in year one to a 24-win team in year three while winning only the second region championship in the fifty-year history of the school.
Carroll began his coaching career after playing at Berry College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education. He later completed a Master of Arts in Health Sciences at the University of Alabama. His early coaching career included serving as assistant coach at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, the United States Air Force Academy — where he helped the program earn its first-ever Mountain West Conference tournament win — and Virginia Military Institute.
