Iona Parts Ways with Coach Tobin Anderson After Two Years

Iona Parts Ways with Coach Tobin Anderson After Two Years
Grzegorz
Grzegorz4 months ago

Iona announced on Monday that it has parted ways with head coach Tobin Anderson after just two seasons. As the search for his successor begins, New Orleans Pelicans assistant Dan Geriot is expected to be a leading candidate. Geriot’s experience includes roles as an assistant coach in Cleveland and head coach of the G League’s Canton Charge.

Anderson became widely recognized for leading Fairleigh Dickinson to a historic victory in 2023 when the No. 16 seeded team defeated No. 1 Purdue in the NCAA tournament’s first round. This marked only the second instance in tournament history where a No. 16 seed toppled a No. 1 seed. This achievement catapulted Anderson into the spotlight and subsequently led to his hiring at Iona.

The Gaels concluded the 2024-25 season with a 17-17 record, reaching the MAAC league title game. Over his two-year tenure at Iona, Anderson’s record stands at 33-34. The team closed the regular season with a winning streak of three games and claimed two victories in the MAAC tournament, including an upset against the top-seeded Quinnipiac. Iona finished fourth in league play with a 12-8 record this year. During the 2023-24 season, they posted a 16-17 overall record and went 10-10 in conference play.

Anderson’s coaching career includes a notable stint at Division II St. Thomas Aquinas from 2013-14 to 2021-22, where he compiled a 209-62 record. Before that, he spent 12 seasons coaching at the Division III level for Clarkson and Hamilton. Anderson succeeded Rick Pitino at Iona, who guided the team to two NCAA tournament bids and recorded 52 wins over his final two seasons. Having signed a five-year contract with Iona, Anderson is set to receive a significant payout due to three remaining years on his deal.

Iona is considered the premier coaching position in the MAAC, with former coach Tim Cluess having led the team to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances from 2016 to 2019. Overall, the school boasts 16 tournament appearances in its history.

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