Following up on something that I first mentioned earlier this morning (NAIA DIRT). Mayville State has officially named Brandon McGruder as the interim head basketball coach, replacing Darren Tighe who resigned last week. Here’s the official release from the college:
Brandon McGruder has been named interim head men’s basketball coach at Mayville State University. He begins his duties at Mayville State Monday, Nov. 7. The head coaching position was left vacant when former head men’s basketball coach Darren Tighe resigned Monday, Oct. 31.
A native of Omaha, Neb., Brandon McGruder comes to Mayville State University after serving the previous six years as head assistant coach for the Central Arizona College men’s basketball program. His duties included coordination of recruiting, player development, fundraising, community outreach, and academic affairs.
Coach “Mac” helped the Vaqueros reach the ACCAC semi-finals in his first two seasons as an assistant. Last season, the Vaqueros earned their highest seed in the ACCAC tournament since 2015 before falling to the eventual champion, Cochise College.
Acting as the recruiting coordinator McGruder helped recruit and coach one NJCAA All-American, six All-Conference players, five NCAA Division 1 signees, four NCAA Division 2 signees and numerous others who went on to play at four-year universities. Along with on-the-court success, McGruder has coached three NJCAA Academic All-Americans during his tenure.
Prior to coaching at Central Arizona College, McGruder was assistant coach at Peru State College for two years and was an assistant coach at Central High School in Phoenix, Ariz. For one year. He played collegiately at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Iowa Western Community College, and Southeast Community College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in psychology and journalism from Peru State College.
“We are delighted that Coach McGruder has joined us at Mayville State,” said Mayville State University Athletic Director Jay DeCann. “He brings great experience as a coach and player of the game of basketball. Let’s show our support for Coach McGruder and the men’s basketball team as the season gets underway.”
The search to permanently fill the position of head men’s basketball coach at Mayville State University will begin in the new year.
