USF Hires Brian Gregory As Men’s Basketball Coach

USF has named former Dayton and Georgia Tech head coach Brian Gregory as its new men's basketball coach.

Gregory had a spotty record in Atlanta, although he did reach the NIT in his final season, and Georgia Tech's position in the ACC is similar to what USF's position was in the old Big East. His eight years at Dayton (2003-2011) included two NCAA Tournament bids, three other postseason appearances, an NIT championship in 2010, and five 20-win seasons. Along the way, he successfully rebuilt the team after making the NCAAs in his first year. The Flyers won 97 games in his last four seasons there. Most recently, Gregory had returned to Michigan State as an assistant coach, where he had previously been before getting the Dayton job.

“Brian brings vast head coaching experience to USF, a passion for coaching and mentoring student-athletes and a track record of leading successful programs," said USF athletic director Mark Harlan in a statement. "He has been a part of championship winning programs as a player, assistant coach and head coach and has built a very strong reputation as a tireless recruiter, skilled tactician and a coach who cares deeply about his players and graduating them."

Gregory walks into... well, a shambles might be a nice way of putting it. USF has two straight seasons of single-digit wins, players seemingly racing each other to transfer, possible NCAA trouble, possible APR trouble, and total fan apathy. This is a gutting and rebuilding project, all the way down to the studs. He appears to have the skill set needed to turn things around, however, and he will need a lot of rope and a lot of patience as he gets to work.