UT Arlington Director of Athletics Jon Fagg announced on Friday a leadership change with the men’s basketball program, parting ways with head coach Greg Young and naming Royce ‘Snoop’ Johnson as the Mavericks interim head coach.
“Following a holistic evaluation of our program, the determination was made that now is the most advantageous time for us to make this move,” Fagg stated. “Change is rarely easy, and this decision was no different, but we need to inject a new, impactful, results-driven energy into the program. We are in a new, extremely competitive conference, and a fresh perspective will give us the best opportunity to elevate our program to the consistent championship level our supporters and student-athletes deserve.
“I know coach Young cares deeply about the UTA men’s basketball program, and I sincerely thank him for his efforts and dedicated service over the last 14 years as a head, associate and assistant coach,” Fagg continued. “We are thankful for the many student-athletes he has mentored, and on behalf of the entire department I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Young was nearing the completion of his second season at the helm of the Mavs after having previously served as an assistant (2009-13) and associate (2013-21) coach with the program. He had an overall record of 20-34 (.370) and 11-18 (.379) in conference games.
Johnson will take over in an interim role for at least the team’s final six games of the regular season and any postseason contests. Now in his fifth season with UTA, Johnson has been the program’s associate head coach for the past two seasons following three years as an assistant coach. He was also the head boys basketball coach at Kimball High School in Dallas from 1998-2014, compiling a 373-76 record (.831) and leading the Knights to three state championships.
UTA (9-16, 4-8 WAC) will return to the court at Sam Houston on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m.
UT Arlington parts ways with Head Basketball Coach Greg Young
