Following up on my D3 DIRT from earlier today…Mike Mailhot has officially been named as the head basketball coach at D3 Clark University. Here’s the official release from Clark announcing the hiring:
Clark University Director of Athletics and Recreation Trish Cronin has announced the hiring of Michael Mailhot as the next head coach of the men’s basketball program. Mailhot will serve as the 19th head coach in program history.
Mailhot comes to Worcester after seven seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Chicago, where he helped guide one of the nation’s premier NCAA Division III programs. A proven recruiter, player developer, and offensive strategist, Mailhot brings championship experience and a track record of success at multiple Division III institutions.
“We are excited to welcome Michael Mailhot to Clark University as the next leader of our men’s basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Trish Cronin. “Throughout the search process, Michael stood out for his passion for developing student-athletes, his vision for building a championship-caliber program, and his commitment to the values that define Clark University. His experience recruiting and developing talented student-athletes, combined with his success at some of the nation’s top Division III programs, made him the ideal choice to lead our program.”
“I am incredibly grateful and honored to be named the next head men’s basketball coach at Clark University,” said Mailhot. “I want to thank Director of Athletics Trish Cronin and the search committee for this incredible opportunity and for the confidence they have shown in me to lead the Clark men’s basketball program.
“Clark Men’s Basketball has a proud tradition and a strong foundation, and I am excited to get to Worcester, begin building relationships with our student-athletes, alumni, and the entire Clark community, and get to work. We will strive to build a program that competes for NEWMAC championships while providing an outstanding experience for our student-athletes on the court, in the classroom, and throughout their time at Clark.”
Mailhot spent the past seven seasons at the University of Chicago, helping the Maroons reach new heights. During the 2025-26 season, Chicago advanced to the NCAA Division III Elite Eight for just the second time in program history while earning the program’s first No. 1 national ranking since 2001. The Maroons also led the nation in offensive efficiency and the coaching staff was recognized as the NABC District VIII Coaching Staff of the Year.
Mailhot played a key role in helping Chicago earn an NCAA Tournament at-large bid in 2024-25, the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2008. As recruiting coordinator, he directed the program’s nationwide recruiting efforts while overseeing individual player development, scouting, team operations, and summer camps. His recruiting efforts helped bring in a First Team All-American, multiple All-Region selections, and several First Team All-UAA honorees.
Prior to Chicago, Mailhot spent one season as an assistant coach at Muhlenberg College before three successful seasons at Nichols College. During his tenure with the Bison, Nichols posted a 74-14 overall record, captured three consecutive Commonwealth Coast Conference regular-season championships and back-to-back conference tournament titles, while making the first two NCAA Tournament appearances in program history, including the program’s first NCAA Tournament victory. Serving as offensive coordinator, Mailhot helped Nichols rank first and seventh nationally in offensive efficiency while coaching multiple All-Americans, conference Players of the Year, and All-Conference selections.
Mailhot also previously served as an assistant coach at the United States Coast Guard Academy and Emmanuel College before joining the staff at Nichols.
A native of Norwich, Connecticut, Mailhot was a four-year starting point guard and two-year captain at Emmanuel College before earning his Master of Business Administration from Nichols College.
