FDU Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jack Castleberry announced the promotion of Josh Hayes to Associate Head Coach. The elevation comes ahead of Hayes’ third season in Hackensack.
“We are incredibly lucky to have Josh on our staff,” said Castleberry. “I’ve had the privilege of working with him for four years and there is no one who’s counsel I trust more. He is as well rounded a college basketball coach as I’ve ever met. From player development, to recruiting, to game-planning; he does it all at an elite level. His calm, steady demeanor, and his rigorous approach to building our program make him the first person I turn to for their opinion. He is more than deserving of his promotion to Associate Head Coach.”
Hayes joined FDU and Castleberry’s first-ever coaching staff in 2023. He has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach. Over the past 24 months, he has helped developed two First-Team All-NEC selections in addition to the NEC’s Most Improved Player. The Knights’s KenPom defensive rating has rapidly ascended under the current leadership. In 2025, FDU finished 183rd in raw defensive efficiency. This is 89 spots higher than they finished in the season before Hayes joined the staff. In adjusted defensive efficiency, FDU has seen a 92-spot rise in that same time frame.
“I am super appreciative to Coach Castleberry and FDU for the belief and confidence that comes with this title,” said Hayes. “I am extremely grateful to be able to do what I love; alongside people I love. I look forward to continuing to help carry out the vision of Coach Castleberry, as well as pouring into our student-athletes.”
Prior to his current stint in New Jersey, Hayes coached in the next state over for one season. He was an assistant at Army during their 2022-23 campaign. While with the Black Knights, Hayes coached the Patriot League Rookie of the Year.
Hayes’ first Division I job came at the Citadel in South Carolina. He served as an assistant there from 2020-22. It was during this time that Hayes crossed paths with Castleberry, who spent 2016-22 with the Bulldogs in a few different roles. With Hayes on-staff, the Bulldogs completed the second-largest Division I win turnaround as The Citadel posted a year-over-year win increase of seven from 2019-20 to 2020-21. In 2021-2022, Hayes helped develop the SoCon Rookie of the Year. The Bulldogs also led Division I in three-point shooting in Hayes’ two years with the team.
In terms of higher education, Hayes is the owner of two degrees. He earned an bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Fitchburg State and went on to attain a master’s in sports management from Liberty.
Before joining the Division I ranks, Hayes was an assistant coach the Division II level with both Barton (2018-20) and Emmanuel (2017-18). Hayes assisted in leading Barton to a 20-win campaign.
