With the offseason preparations in full swing for Salem men’s basketball, there is some exciting news about the future of the reigning USCAA Division I National Champion Tigers’ program. Vincent Thibodeau has been named head coach of Salem men’s basketball team, and he will lead them as they enter into the 2023-2024 campaign.
Thibodeau returns to Salem from NCAA Division I James Madison University, where he was an assistant coach for the Dukes last season. Thibodeau was previously an assistant coach under head coach Brett Rector for the Tigers in the 2021-2022 season. He takes over a successful program from Rector, who recently left Salem to take over the head coaching role at Coker University in South Carolina. Before his stints at Salem and James Madison, Thibodeau has developed coaching experience at various stints with multiple NJCAA programs, NCAA Division I programs such as Western Michigan and the Virginia Military Institute, and at the NAIA level at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
In regards to the Thibodeau hire, Athletic Director Alex Joseph had this to say, “Our Search Committee fielded unprecedented interest in our men’s head basketball coaching position, and we spoke to an impressive pool of candidates. However, through the process, it became clear that Coach Thibodeau is ready and has the passion, coaching background, and drive to lead our men’s basketball program to continued success in the future. We’ve been fortunate enough to be in a position to hire what I think is one of the best young coaches in the game. We feel Coach Thibodeau will not only elevate our men’s basketball program, but he will elevate our entire athletic department.”
Coach Thibodeau had the following to say about his return to Salem, “I want to thank President Weber, Alex Joseph, and the committee for the opportunity to become the Salem University head men’s basketball coach. Coach Rector has done an amazing job with the program over the last two years, and I am thankful I was able to be a part of the 20 win season in 2021-2022. I am so excited to be back, and look forward to continuing the growth and success here at Salem.”
An official press conference will be held to introduce Coach Thibodeau to Salem on Friday, May 19th at 10 AM in the Benedum Library on the campus of Salem University.
The entire Salem Athletic department would like to welcome Coach Thibodeau back to Salem, and are excited to help him and the men’s basketball program build on the success of the 2022-2023 campaign that saw the Tigers earn 19 wins on their way to a USCAA Division I National Championship.
