Northwestern Oklahoma State University head men’s basketball coach Shawn Dirden has resigned his position to become an assistant coach at a NCAA Division I institution, Brad Franz, director of athletics announced Wednesday.
During his three seasons as the head coach of the Rangers, Dirden compiled a 42-42 overall record. Dirden led the Rangers to a 22-7 campaign in 2017-18, the fifth best season in Northwestern basketball history. The 2017-18 Rangers earned their first postseason berth as a NCAA team and reached the Great American Conference tournament semifinals with a win over Southern Arkansas.
“I have been very pleased with the tremendous work that Shawn has done here. We will miss him. He has done everything we have asked for in leading our team to grow as young people, students and basketball players, and our program is in a good place under his direction. He has an opportunity to return to the Division I level where he has had great success and I know he will do well there. All of Northwestern thanks him for his leadership” stated Franz
Under Dirden, Treyvon Andres was named the GAC Newcomer of the Year for the 2017-18 season, Adrian Motley was named First Team All-GAC, while Andres, Brandon Green and Cody Halverson were each all-conference performers as well.
Prior to Dirden taking over the Ranger basketball program, Dirden had Div. I stints at South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana State.
“I just want to say thank you to all of Northwestern for giving me the opportunity to be part of an amazing basketball program, university, and community. I want to thank President Cunningham for her leadership and guidance during my time at the University. I want to say thank you to Brad Franz as he is a leader, a mentor, and a trusted friend. It has been a privilege and an honor to be part of this community and University. The tremendous faculty and staff that I worked with every day and the great community of Alva has been loving to my family and I which is everything” stated Dirden.
A national search for the next men’s basketball coach will begin immediately.
