Wherever Rob Jeter goes, success is sure to follow, and his next stop is Western Illinois University, Director of Athletics Danielle Surprenant announced Monday (March 30).
Jeter will serve as the 21st head men’s basketball coach in program history, carrying with him 25 years of coaching experience and seven NCAA Tournament appearances. His recent stops include the University of Minnesota, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, and a head coaching stint at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Staying in line with social distancing measures, WIU Athletics will host a press conference at a later date. However, media outlets are invited to virtual one-on-one interviews with Coach Jeter Wednesday (April 1). Contact Monyae Williamson, the Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Communications, at [email protected] for additional details. Each outlet will have a 20-minute time slot for a phone or video chat.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Rob as our next head men’s basketball coach,” said Surprenant. “Rob brings so much experience with him. He has seen success as both a head coach and assistant, and his drive and passion for the game are contagious. His recruiting ties, especially in the Midwest, and his vision and direction for the program were exactly what we were looking for. I’m ecstatic to see where he will lead our men’s basketball program.”
“I’d first like to thank Dr. Martin Abraham and Danielle Surprenant for such an incredible opportunity in trusting me to lead the men’s basketball program,” said Jeter. “My family and I are excited join the Leatherneck family and the Macomb community. I’m looking forward to serving our student-athletes and Western Illinois University.
“I’m especially excited to meet our players and their families and connect with our alums and student body. Together, we will accomplish great things! It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work!”
At the helm of his own program, Jeter was a three-time coach of the year. Eleven seasons at Milwaukee captured five seasons with 20 or more wins, Coach of the Year honors from the Horizon League (2011) and the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association (2006,2011), and two NCAA Tournament berths. His first Panther squad registered a first-round victory over the University of Oklahoma in the 2006 NCAA Tournament.
Jeter’s most recent trip to the NCAAs occurred in 2019 as an assistant at Minnesota. The Gophers ended their season in the second round but earned their first tournament win in six years to go alongside another 20-win season (22-14).
In his two-year stint, Jeter was responsible for all aspects of the program, from recruiting to skill development, and he worked extensively with the Gophers’ backcourt and defense. He helped coach Amir Coffey and Marcus Carr to All-Big Ten honors in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Coffey is currently with the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers on a two-way contract with the Agua Caliente Clippers of the NBA G League.
Prior to Minnesota, Jeter was on staff at UNLV from 2016-18. The Runnin’ Rebels doubled their wins in year two to produce a 20-win season, and Jeter had a hand in recruiting the 12th-best class in the country that included McDonald’s High School All-American Brandon McCoy and National Junior College Player of the Year Shakur Juiston.
Jeter left Milwaukee (2005-2016) as its all-time winningest coach (Division I era) with an overall record of 185-170. The Panthers claimed the Horizon League’s regular-season titles in 2006 and 2011 and tournament titles in 2006 and 2014.
Before running his own ship, Jeter was an assistant coach under Bo Ryan at Wisconsin (2001-05), UWM (1999-01), and Wisconsin-Platteville (1994-98). He was also an assistant at Marquette (1998-99) under Mike Deane.
At Wisconsin, Jeter helped the Badgers to remarkable success with two regular season Big Ten championships and a Big Ten Tournament title. Wisconsin made four-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including berths in the Sweet 16 in 2003 and the Elite Eight in 2005.
Jeter played college basketball for Ryan at UW-Platteville and captained his team to the NCAA Division III title in 1991. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1991 and went on to earn a master’s from UWP in 2001.
Jeter was inducted into the UW-Platteville Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006 and was also inducted into the inaugural hall of fame class for the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. He became a three-time HOFer in 2013 when Platteville’s 1991 national championship team received the school’s highest honor.
Official: Jeter Named Head Coach at Western Illinois
