Story: Adam Nelson (@HD_DirtKing)
Brackets are out. What a great week! Getting busy on the coaching carousel front as well. Buckle up…
USF Coaching Search: Familiar Faces in the Mix, but It’s Anyone’s Guess
Some very early names at South Florida include Alabama assistant Ryan Pannone and SMU associate head coach Chris Capko. They are both USF alums, so should presumably be in the mix (note: presumably). But…the general feeling on this one is that Bulls AD Michael Kelly is very good at playing these things close to the vest (see Lineburg/Chu at Radford). Any names mentioned by the anonymous thumb jockeys on X are pure speculation. As of now, it does not sound like Kelly is using a search firm. More here if I hear anything real.
“Bucky Ball” in Vegas? UNLV Rumors Heat Up
The most intriguing name making the rounds for the UNLV job is Samford head coach Bucky McMillan. Since taking over in 2020, McMillan has led Samford to a 99-51 (.660) record, including a 22-10 mark this season as they continue their NIT run. He has posted four consecutive 21+ win seasons, peaking with 29 wins last year. “Bucky Ball” in Las Vegas would certainly be an exciting storyline to watch.
Ball State Staff Shake-Up: Assistant Coach Ben Botts Out
Ball State has parted ways with assistant coach Ben Botts. He had been on the Ball State staff since 2018, working first for James Whitford, and he was retained when Michael Lewis took over in 2022. Ball State struggled to a 14-17 (7-11 MAC) record this past season, and their win total has dropped in each of the past three seasons. No official announcement yet by Ball State, but Botts has been 404’d from their website.
Maryland Set to Lock in Willard With Massive New Deal
According to a Jon Rothstein report, Maryland is finalizing a new contract with head coach Kevin Willard, expected to make him one of the 10 highest-paid coaches in college basketball. The deal includes a top-tier revenue-sharing budget and plans for a $50 million practice facility. Since arriving in 2022, Willard has revitalized the program, leading the Terrapins to multiple NCAA tournament appearances, including a strong 25-8 season and a 4 seed in this year’s tournament.
High School Homecoming: Tom Weiler Takes Over at STA (NJ)
D3 Waynesburg University assistant Tom Weiler is on the move, and will take over as the head basketball coach at St. Thomas Aquinas HS in New Jersey. Weiler, who is a STA alum, spent two seasons as the head coach at Sussex County College (NJ) before joining the Waynesburg staff in 2023.
From Hoops to Tech: Williams College Assistant Tom Doran Moves On
Williams College assistant coach Tom Doran is leaving basketball and has taken a job in the real world for a tech recruiting firm. Doran spent the past two seasons at Williams and previously served on Princeton’s basketball staff.
Garden City CC Coaching Search Begins—But Will Tisdale Stay Put?
Garden City Community College has posted its men’s basketball head coaching job, but interim head coach Isaiah Tisdale remains in place holding down the fort, and is expected to be in the mix for the permanent role. Tisdale, who previously worked at ETSU and Wake Forest, took over in September and led the Broncbusters to an 18-14 record. Interviews are expected to begin soon.
NE Prep School Coaching Carousel:
- Tilton School (NH) – NEPSAC Class AA: Mike Byrnes is no longer the head basketball coach at NEPSAC Class AA Tilton (NH). The veteran coach had also been an assistant at Robert Morris, the head coach at Rhode Island College, and spent 14-seasons as the head coach at Winchendon.
- Tabor Academy (MA) – NEPSAC Class A: Coke Whitworth is no longer the head coach at Tabor. He had served as TA’s head coach since 2017. Word on the street is that interviews here started last week.
For a full list of coaching changes across NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO levels, check out the 2025 Coaching Changes Tracker presented by D1.relocation [HERE].
