Daily Dirt – 8/12/21

Story: Adam Nelson (@HD_DirtKing)


Some things that I’ve heard over the past few days…


Chip Cunningham has been added to the staff at UMass Lowell as the Director of Basketball Operations. Cunningham had spent the past six seasons as the video coordinator at Boston College, and had previously served in administrative roles at Ohio and TCU. He will join former Albany assistant John Iati as the new members of Pat Duquette’s staff at UML. I mentioned Iati’s hiring back on 7/16 – it still has not officially been announced yet, but he is definitely on staff there.


I have heard San Diego State assistant Jay Morris’ name mentioned a few times surrounding the opening at USC. Morris has been at SDSU for the past three seasons, and has also served as an assistant at San Jose State, Nevada, CSUN, and Long Beach State. USC is looking to replace Jason Hart, who became the head coach of the G League’s Ignite at the end of July.


Grambling has hired Eshaunte Jones as an assistant coach. Jones played collegiately at both Nebraska and Northern Kentucky. He most recently served as an assistant at Bossier Parish CC (LA), and has also worked at Panola College (TX). An official announcement from Grambling is expected shortly.


I have heard that Prairie View A&M has hired Noah Croak as an assistant. He had spent the past two seasons as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Tallahassee CC (FL). More on this one when it becomes official.


Safet Kastrat, who spent last season as the special assistant to the head coach at Rider has been hired as the Director of Player Development at Radford. Kevin Sweeney had it first earlier this week HERE.


D2 Arkansas Monticello is moving quickly to replace former head coach Kyle Tolin who departed for UTPB earlier this week. I have heard that interviews have started today, and they intend to meet with at least five candidates. With classes starting on Wednesday 8/18, it sounds like they want this thing wrapped up on Monday 8/16. More on this search as I hear it.


I tweeted earlier this week about at Midwest D3 that is about to open. Sounds like the head coach is taking D1 assistant gig. More on this one soon….


New Oakland City U (IN) head coach Ken French has added Ryan Wise as an assistant. Wise has worked as an assistant at D3 Saint Vincent College (PA), and NAIA West Virginia Tech. He also spent time as a graduate assistant at Mercer.


Tagged with: