Notre Dame of Maryland University and the NDMU athletic department are pleased to announce the hiring of T.J. Jordan as the department’s inaugural men’s basketball head coach. Starting in the 2023-24 academic year, the new program will begin competition in NCAA Division III and in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC).
Jordan joins the Gators after serving as the head varsity boys basketball coach at the McDonogh School in Owings Mills for the last five seasons. He was responsible for all elements of the program, helping young athletes reach their full potential on the floor and in the classroom. Before taking over as the head varsity basketball coach, Jordan served as the JV coach for one season. While at McDonogh, he also taught 9th and 10th grade world history.
Jordan said he is excited to get started NDMU and lead a new program.
“I have always had aspirations of becoming a head college basketball coach,” Jordan explained. “I grew up here in Baltimore and know Notre Dame’s history. When I heard that the University was becoming co-ed, I knew that I had to apply for that position. I want to thank the search committee and the administration for this amazing opportunity.”
Prior to arriving at McDonogh, Jordan worked at Lehigh University as the director of basketball operations from 2010-2013. During his time at Lehigh, he coordinated travel for the NCAA Division I program and assisted in planning practices. In addition, Jordan was an assistant coach at Susquehanna University for one season.
Starting a new athletic program comes with a list of challenges, but Jordan feels he is up for the task.
“I am so excited to put my own unique stamp on the program,” said Jordan. “Having been a player locally and at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, in addition to coaching here in the Baltimore area, I have great connections to call upon while starting this program. Recruiting is the lifeblood of any program, and I believe these connections position me to give opportunities to players in the area and beyond to continue their basketball careers.”
An accomplished athlete, Jordan was a four-year member of the Seahawks men’s basketball team. During his senior season, Jordan helped lead St. Mary’s to a Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) Championship and a berth in the NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen. That season, Jordan received the Athletic Directors Award for his team leadership.
Jordan has a clear vision for the program he would like to develop at NDMU.
“Offense sells tickets but defense wins championships,” said Jordan. “It’s going to take hard work and great communication to get there, but I believe we can achieve that.”
Dr. Ashley Hodges, director of athletics and wellness at NDMU, said the department was elated to bring Jordan onboard to lead the fledgling program.
“We could tell right away how passionate and knowledgeable T.J. was about basketball,” explained Dr. Hodges. “His energy and charisma are going to be the key to recruiting student-athletes to our University. T.J. has a great sense of what NDMU is about and where we are heading in the future.”
Jordan graduated from the St. Mary’s (MD) College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2008. He later earned his master’s degree in education with a Certificate in Athletic Leadership from Goucher College in 2016.
Jordan Named Inaugural Men’s Basketball Head Coach at Notre Dame of Maryland University
Photo COurtesy Notre Dame of Maryland Athletics
