Quick hitters on 17 new coaches
Quick hitters on 17 of college hoops' 27 new coaches this season. For more detailed analysis the 10 coaches at big-name schools, click here.
Buzz Peterson, Appalachian State
Peterson’s first head coaching job since a two-year stint at Coastal Carolina comes at the place he began. He spent four years with the Moutaineers, running up a 79-39 record. He replaces Houston Fancher, who was fired after nine seasons. Oddly enough, Fancher was Peterson’s top assistant.
Patrick Chambers, Boston U
After five years on Jay Wright’s staff at Villanova, Chambers takes over with the Terriers, who fired Dennis Wolff. Chambers, 38, could start off well, too. Boston has 9 seniors on the roster.
Joe Callero, Cal Poly
He spent eight years at Seattle University, which culminated in the school’s return to D-I hoops. He says he’s looking forward to the college-town atmosphere of San Luis Obispo and coaching at a public university.
Matt Matheny, Elon
Matheny spent the last 16 seasons at a Davidson assistant, which means he’ll be well-versed with the other schools when Southern Conference schedule begins.
Greg Vetrone, Fairleigh Dickinson
A former FD assistant, Vetrone is the Knights’ interim head coach, replacing Tom Green, the winningest coach in school history. Vetrone was coaching high school basketball in 2008.
Ed Joyner Jr., Hampton
Joyner Jr. switches from Hampton assistant to interim head coach in 2009. If he can get the Pirates to score (57 ppg in 2008-09), the job is his.
Scott Cherry, High Point
Taking over from Bart Lundy, who had just two losing seasons in six seasons at High Point but was still fired, shouldn’t be too intimidating for Cherry. The former South Carolina assistant once drove a forklift to make ends meet.
Sean Kearney, Holy Cross
Longtime Crusaders coach Ralph Willard joined Rick Pitino at Louisville, which opened a spot for Kearney, a former Notre Dame assistant. He inherits a squad that should claim the Patriot League crown.
Dale Layer, Liberty
Layer doesn’t have Seth Curry in the lineup, which hurts. Losing two others starters and trying to build around a young team makes it even tougher on Layer, a former Marquette assistant.
David Carter, Nevada
The longtime Wolf Pack assistant has seen the highs under Trent Johnson and Mark Fox, earning accolades along the way. His task? Lead Nevada to its 7th straight 20-win season.
LeVelle Moton, N.C. Central
The Eagles drew some attention this spring when John Wall – yes, that John Wall – visited the campus. But ignore that nonsense and pay attention as Moton, one of the school’s all-time leading scorers, helps the school make the transition to D-I.
Tyler Geving, Portland State
The Vikings nabbed back-to-back NCAA tournament berths under Ken Bone. Geving, 36, was the team’s recruiting coordinator.
Cameron Dollar, Seattle U
Every school making the D-I transition should be so lucky to have a high-profile assistant and former NCAA champ like Dollar leading the way.
Dickey Nutt, SE Missouri State
Nutt was 189-186 in 13 seasons at Arkansas State. This is somewhat of a lateral move for him and the school.
Jason James, Tennessee-Martin
The guy who recruited Lester Hudson doesn’t get to coach him. Sometimes, life ain’t fair.
Ryan Marks, Texas Pan-American
Marks thrived at St. Edwards (D-II) and Southern Vermont (D-III). This is a slight upgrade.
Shaka Smart, VCU
If VCU’s coaching streak (Jeff Capel, Anthony Grant) continues with Smart, the Rams will have one of the game’s best young coaches on board.
