Following five seasons at the helm, Chad Warner has stepped down as the head men’s basketball coach at Flagler College to pursue other interests, Director of Athletics Jud Damon announced today.
“Chad did an incredible job as our head coach here the past five years,” said Damon. “Words cannot adequately express what a difference he has made and the positive impact his leadership has had on our program. We will miss him personally and professionally, but sincerely wish him and his family blessings and success as they tackle their next challenge.”
“My time at Flagler has truly been one of the greatest blessings of my life,” said Warner. “Saying goodbye to Jud has been one of the most difficult conversations I have ever had. I love him as a friend and appreciate his vision and direction for Flagler Athletics.
“To the players I was so fortunate to coach at Flagler, I cannot properly express the way my family and I feel towards you and the great riches and joy you brought to our lives,” said Warner. “Y’all are champions in so many ways. To the fans and community, you will never know how special you made us feel, in the good times and bad, we are so indebted to you. You created a home court advantage in St. Augustine. Finally, to my best friends Blake and Kip, thank you for always holding me up. I love y’all and appreciate you so much. Your time is now and y’all are ready. The best is yet to come and no one will cheer harder for your success than the Warner family. Go Saints!”
Blake Selland, who has served as an assistant coach the last five years, is now the eighth head men’s basketball coach in the program’s 49-year history, and Kip Owens becomes the associate head coach.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Blake will be our next head coach and Kip will be our associate head coach,” said Damon. “They have been both instrumental in building the championship culture that we have today. We believe the continuity that their leadership will provide will allow us to keep moving the program forward to even greater heights.”
Warner guided the Saints to a 23-8 record this past season, which included a 14-4 record in the Peach Belt Conference. The 14 league wins was the most achieved by a Saints team since joining the PBC for the 2009-10 season. Flagler advanced to the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2021 and finished with an overall record of 18-3, including an 11-1 mark in the conference play – winning both the regular and post-season titles. Warner was the NABC South Region and PBC Coach of the Year in 2020-21. He has coached eight players to all-conference honors and Jaizec Lottie earned two NABC Division II All-America honors while playing for Warner.
Selland joined the men’s basketball staff on May 18, 2017, just a little over two months after Warner was named as the head coach. Selland played for Warner at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia. He was a member of the Hawks team that advanced to the NAIA Division I “Fab Four” in 2012 and the NCCAA national champions the following season. In his last two seasons on Warner’s staff, the Saints have posted a 41-11 overall record and a 25-5 mark in the PBC.
“First and foremost I want to thank Mr. Damon and President (John) Delaney for this opportunity,” said Selland. “My family and I couldn’t be more honored and excited to have the responsibility and privilege of leading such a great program at a truly unique and special school and athletic department. Coach Warner and our past student-athletes have set a strong foundation for the future of this program. I am thankful to continue this tradition with Kip as our associate head coach. This program would not be where it is without him.”
https://flaglerathletics.com/news/2022/4/21/MBB_042122_Warner.aspx
