The next era of Thomas Jefferson University Men’s Basketball officially began this week as Jimmy Reilly became the fifth head coach in program history, succeeding Hall of Famer Herb Magee who retired after 54 seasons at the helm.
Reilly spent the last 15 years on the Rams’ sideline as Associate Head Coach. As Magee’s top assistant, Reilly had a major hand in game and practice planning, strength and conditioning, recruiting, scouting, fundraising, alumni relations, community service, logistics, and academic support.
“Thomas Jefferson University is very pleased to have Jimmy Reilly as our next head coach for men’s basketball”, said Assistant Vice President for Athletics Tom Shirley. “He has been an integral part of our program for the past 15 years and it is fitting that he will lead the next generation of Rams. We offer him our total support and look forward to continued success under his leadership.”
With Reilly on the coaching staff, Jefferson has amassed a 311-123 record for a .717 winning percentage since the 2007-08 season. The Rams have recorded 20-plus wins 11 times during the span. Jefferson has reached the CACC Championship Game eight times, winning five titles, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament on nine occasions. The Rams were the NCAA East Region runner-up in 2010.
“I am excited, thankful, and humbled for the opportunity to become the new head men’s basketball coach at Jefferson,” said Reilly. “I want to thank Coach Shirley and Coach Magee for this opportunity and will work hard every day to make them proud!”
Prior to Jefferson, Reilly served as an assistant coach at Neumann University for two seasons. With the Knights, he was in charge of scouting, game-plan preparation, recruiting, individual player workouts and in-game defensive adjustments.
From 2003-05, Reilly was an assistant boy’s varsity coach at West Catholic High School. Reilly, who was also the head JV coach, was in charge of scouting and assisted in running summer camps for boys and girls in grades four through nine.
Reilly began his coaching career at Ursinus College, his alma mater. In his two years as an assistant, he helped with scouting, game-planning, and individual workouts. Reilly also helped give prospective student-athletes tours of the campus.
As a player for the Bears, Reilly was a two-year team captain and the team’s MVP as a senior. He led Ursinus in assists during his junior and senior seasons. Reilly graduated from Ursinus in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in communications.
The schedule for Reilly’s inaugural season as head coach will be announced this fall.
http://jeffersonrams.com/news/2022/7/5/jimmy-reilly-takes-over-mens-basketball-program.aspx
