(Video above includes introduction and Tim Koenig interview)
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The ‘Coach TK’ era is underway at Fairmont State. Tim Koenig was introduced Monday afternoon as the 13th head coach of the FSU men’s basketball program.
“I know we have inherited a good program, an elite program,” Koenig said. “I have to put my own footprint on that.”
Koenig comes to Fairmont from Mountain East Conference rival Notre Dame College. He led Notre Dame to the MEC Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament berth in March. Koenig was also named the league’s coach of the year in 2019, guiding the Falcons to their first 20-win regular season in school history.
“Once the opportunity was given and was offered, it was a no-brainer. From a family perspective, it is absolutely great. From a career perspective, this is family.”
Koenig replaces Joe Mazzulla, who was recently named an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics.
“I would like to congratulate Joe Mazzulla for an incredible opportunity with the Boston Celtics. I would like to thank him, his wife Camai and his entire family for everything they have done for this athletic department and this community,” said FSU Director of Athletics Chad Fowler.
“I have lived in Cleveland my entire life. Obviously I know coach Mazzulla and I have known coach (Jerrod) Calhoun for a long time. I got to hear a lot from them, especially coach Calhoun. I knew if this opportunity would ever come, I would jump on it.”
Fairmont State is coming off a 22-9 season, earning an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament. FSU lost their top two scorers to graduation in Vontae Montgomery and Jason Jolly.
“We’re talented. You can look and say there are no seniors on the roster so experience is always a question mark.”
Cole VonHandorf and Morgantown High School alumni Kenzie Melko-Marshall and Steve Solmon lead the Falcons’ junior class.
“Kenzie, Cole and even Steve… he was a key contributor on the (2017) national runner-up team. They are a great starting point.”
“We know we have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of learning to do. I am really looking forward to learning and working with our guys.”