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John Groce Hired as Charleston's New Basketball Coach | Ajay Mitchell's Breakout Season: Carrying His Father's NBA Dreams | Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein: How the Thunder's Defense is Dominating the NBA | Nathan MacKinnon's Unusual Pool Workout: Psychopath or Peak Performance? | Avalanche Players Face Minnesota Homecoming in Stanley Cup Playoffs | Thunder and Hartenstein Face Lakers in Game 3 as OKC Proves Depth | UFC 328 Media Day: Key Highlights and Fighter Insights | Wild's Joel Eriksson Ek Injury Update: Potential Return in Game 3 vs. Avalanche | Fans Downgrade Sean O’Malley’s ‘Star’ Status After UFC Press Conference Snub | John Groce Hired as Charleston's New Basketball Coach | Ajay Mitchell's Breakout Season: Carrying His Father's NBA Dreams | Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein: How the Thunder's Defense is Dominating the NBA | Nathan MacKinnon's Unusual Pool Workout: Psychopath or Peak Performance? | Avalanche Players Face Minnesota Homecoming in Stanley Cup Playoffs | Thunder and Hartenstein Face Lakers in Game 3 as OKC Proves Depth | UFC 328 Media Day: Key Highlights and Fighter Insights | Wild's Joel Eriksson Ek Injury Update: Potential Return in Game 3 vs. Avalanche | Fans Downgrade Sean O’Malley’s ‘Star’ Status After UFC Press Conference Snub

Sports / College Basketball

John Groce Hired as Charleston's New Basketball Coach

After a successful tenure at the University of Akron, John Groce has been named the new men's basketball coach at the College of Charleston. This move follows Chris Mack's departure to the University of South Florida, leaving a significant...

Longtime Akron Zips basketball coach John Groce is hired by Charleston
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John Groce Hired as Charleston's New Basketball Coach Image via Akron Beacon Journal

Key Insights

  • John Groce compiled a 197-94 record at Akron, leading the Zips to four MAC Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in five years.
  • Groce's contract at Akron was extended until June 30, 2035, with a combined salary and compensation of $850,000 per year. His buyout was set at $350,000.
  • Charleston had a coaching vacancy after Chris Mack's move to USF, despite Mack turning down Power 4 offers the previous year.
  • Potential candidates to replace Groce at Akron include associate head coach Dustin Ford, who has been on Groce's staff for 18 seasons.
  • Other candidates considered for the Charleston job included Bob Richey (Furman), Kevin Keatts (ESPN analyst, former UNC Wilmington and N.C. State coach), Earl Grant (former College of Charleston and Boston College coach), Hubert Davis (former North Carolina coach), and Justin Gainey (Tennessee assistant coach).
  • Charleston is recognized as a premier mid-major program, with recent coaches like Earl Grant and Pat Kelsey moving on to ACC jobs.

In-Depth Analysis

John Groce's departure from Akron marks the end of an era. During his nine seasons, he solidified the Zips as a dominant force in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). His record speaks for itself, with multiple MAC Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances.

Charleston, under Chris Mack, had a 21-11 record in the 2025-26 season.

Possible replacements for Mack include:

  • **Bob Richey:** Current Furman head coach with a strong track record.
  • **Kevin Keatts:** Former UNC Wilmington and N.C. State head coach.
  • **Earl Grant:** Former College of Charleston and Boston College coach.
  • **Hubert Davis:** Former North Carolina head coach.
  • **Justin Gainey:** Assistant coach at Tennessee.

The decision to hire Groce indicates Charleston's commitment to maintaining a high level of play and competing for NCAA Tournament berths. The next few months will be crucial as Groce settles into his new role and aims to build upon the foundation laid by his predecessors.

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FAQ

Why did John Groce leave Akron?

He accepted the head coaching position at the College of Charleston.

Who is likely to replace John Groce at Akron?

Dustin Ford, Akron's associate head coach, is a strong candidate.

What is John Groce's coaching record at Akron?

197-94, including 114-50 in the Mid-American Conference.

Where did Chris Mack go after leaving Charleston?

He became the head coach at the University of South Florida.

Takeaways

  • John Groce's move to Charleston signals a new era for both programs.
  • Keep an eye on Dustin Ford as a potential replacement for Groce at Akron.
  • Charleston aims to maintain its status as a top mid-major program under Groce's leadership.
  • Groce's history of success at Ohio and Illinois shows his ability to turn programs around.

Discussion

What do you think of John Groce's move to Charleston? Will he be successful in his new role? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Sources

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