The coaching carousel spins once more, and this time it's Providence making headlines. The Friars have officially parted ways with head coach Kim English, signaling a new chapter for the program. After three seasons at the helm, English and Providence have decided to go their separate ways, and the school is launching a national search for his successor.
Providence College Athletic Director Steve Napolillo expressed gratitude for English's contributions, saying, “We appreciate Kim and his staff for their efforts over the past three seasons leading our men’s basketball team. We wish him and his family all the best in the future.”
English's tenure at Providence saw its share of ups and downs. This past season, the team ended with a 15-18 record, going 7-13 in the Big East.
Over his three years, English compiled a 46-49 record overall, with a 23-36 mark in conference play. The highlight came in his first year when the Friars made it to the NIT, but the following seasons didn't see any postseason action.
Before taking on the challenge at Providence, English cut his coaching teeth at George Mason, where he showed promise. His first season there ended at 14-16, but he improved to 20-13 in his second year, finishing fifth in the A10. That performance caught Providence's eye, leading to his hiring.
English's coaching journey is rooted in his time as an assistant under Rick Barnes at Tennessee from 2019 to 2021. He stepped in after Rob Lanier left for a head coaching role. English's coaching resume also includes stints at Colorado and Tulsa, showcasing his steady climb through the coaching ranks.
As a player, English made his mark at Missouri, earning Third-Team All-Big 12 honors twice and snagging the Big 12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player award. Drafted 44th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2012, he played 41 games in the NBA before taking his talents overseas and eventually transitioning into coaching.
Now, as Providence looks to the future, the search is on for a new leader to steer the program towards success. The next chapter for the Friars begins, and fans will be eager to see who steps up to the challenge.