WHEELING, W.Va. — Longtime West Liberty mens basketball coach Jim Crutchfield has resigned, accepting the same position at Nova Southeastern in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Crutchfield led West Liberty to four Final Four appearances, five Elite Eights and a national runner-up finish in 2013-2014.
“Coach Crutchfield is Division II men’s basketball,” said Nova Southeastern athletic director Michael Mominey. “We are fortunate to have a head basketball coach with his pedigree and success coming to South Florida to lead the Sharks program.
“I would say that I’m excited, but the fact is I’m ecstatic,” he continued. “Not only because of his coaching success, but more about the person and leader that Jim is. His personal and coaching core values and mindset are a perfect match for our athletic department culture and NSU.”
Nova Southeastern, a Division II school as well, finished 6-20 this past season, including a loss to West Liberty in December. Crutfield will take over for Gary Tuell at Nova Southeastern.
Jim Crutchfield accolades:
- 359-61 career record (.855)
- Two-time National Coach of the Year (Basketball Times – 2012, 2013)
- Three-time Atlantic Region Coach of the Year (NABC – 2011, 2012, 2013)
- Six-time Conference Coach of the Year (2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
- Four-time Furfari Award Winner for top college coach in the state of West Virginia for all sports (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014).
- CollegeInsider.com Top 25 Non-Division I Coaches in the nation (2011)