Southwest Mississippi Community College Basketball head coach Bryan Bender has announced Darius Tomlin will join his staff as an assistant coach.
Tomlin — who has nearly a decade of experience in coaching — is thrilled to help lead the Bears beginning this fall.
“I’m very excited about joining Coach Bender’s staff here at Southwest Mississippi,” Tomlin said. “He’s had a ton of success as a coach and mirrors all the things I believe in. I can’t wait to get to work!”
Tomlin comes to Summit following one year as an assistant at Division II Texas A&M International.
Prior to TAMIU, Tomlin was assistant coach at Henderson State University (HSU). While at HSU, he helped guide the No. 15 Reddies to a Great American Conference (GAC) Championship and a berth in the NCAA Division II Central Regional Tournament in 2020. He also coached the 2020 GAC MVP and six All-GAC players. Tomlin also helped the program finish sixth in defensive field goal percentage and 20th in scoring offense in the nation.
At HSU, Tomlin also oversaw the organization of summer camps and clinics, team academics, team travel and fundraising. He was also instrumental in recruiting, film study and compiling scouting reports.
Tomlin began his coaching career at Southwest Tennessee Community College. In his two years there, he helped lead the Saluqis to a TCCAA Region 7 Regular Season Championship and a No. 15 regular season ranking in the NJCAA in 2018. Tomlin also helped 15 student-athletes go on to continue playing at four-year schools, including 12 who transferred to NCAA Division I institutions. He also coached six all-conference selections. At STCC, he oversaw team academics, game scheduling, team travel, scouting and film study.
As a player, Tomlin played two years at NCAA Division II William Jewell College after transferring from Southwest Tennessee Community College. At WJC, Tomlin was a standout player, earning All-GLVC honors.
A native of Jackson, Tenn., Tomlin holds a bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation from William Jewell College and a master’s degree in sport administration from Henderson State University.
Coach Darius Tomlin is a steal for us here at Southwest Mississippi CC,” Bender said. ” He has full time experience at the NCAA and NJCAA Level and is extremely polished. His background as a very successful player at the NCAA DI, DII and NJCAA level gives our players a unique perspective and a perfect complement to our coaching staff.”
