Marshall has opted for new leadership in its men’s basketball program.
A 10-year run as head coach came to an end Monday for Dan D’Antoni, whose future was in question after the Herd recently wrapped up a 13-20 campaign.
The Herd is staying in house for its next head coach and promoting Cornelius Jackson, former associate head coach.
“This has been an inspiring decade of Marshall Basketball under the leadership of Coach D’Antoni,” said Christian Spears, Marshall’s Director of Athletics. “His commitment to Marshall is unrivaled and his legacy will be honored for years to come. He built a program that plays for a community who deeply cares about him and our student-athletes. We wish him the very best and look forward to seeing him as he continues to support the program he built.
“We are confident that Coach Jackson will continue using the vast knowledge gained under Coach D’Antoni while maintaining the sincere connection to the student-athletes who played for D’Antoni and Corny over the last decade.”
D’Antoni had expressed willingness and a desire to return, though at 76, he was the oldest Division I head coach.
Marshall’s most memorable season under D’Antoni was the 2017-18 campaign in which it won 25 games, a Conference USA Tournament Championship and was victorious in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history.
It marked the first time since 1987 Marshall qualified for the NCAA Tournament and the only time it did so under D’Antoni.
The following season, the Herd won 23 games and a CIT Championship.
Marshall has not played in the last five years, though it did finish 24-8 in the 2022-23 season.
This season, the Herd limped its way to a 13-20 record — its third worst mark under D’Antoni, whose tenure began with an 11-21 season in 2014-15 and also featured a 12-21 mark in 2021-22.
D’Antoni finishes his tenure with a 177-148 record and the second-winningest coach in program history.
A native of Mullens, D’Antoni is the older brother of former NBA head coach Mike D’Antoni.
“Danny has been everything that we mean when we speak of greatness with Marshall University,” Marshall University President Brad D. Smith said. “From his time as a revered player for the Herd to his days coaching in the NBA and his subsequent journey home, his pride and love for Marshall has always shined through.
“As a proud son of Marshall and proud West Virginian, he has worked diligently to not only set the standard for excellence within his program, but also to bring the community and state closer to our beloved university with initiatives like the ‘Running With The Herd’ program. We look forward to him continuing to be one of Marshall University’s biggest supporters and most influential ambassadors.”
Jackson, who joined the Marshall staff in April of 2017, is a native of Oak Hill. He played for the Thundering Herd from 1998-2001 after transferring from Tennessee, where he began his college career.
Jackson got his coaching career started as an assistant at West Virginia State and later was an assistant head coach at UT Martin as well as an assistant at Cleveland State before working his way back to Huntington.
“Coach D’Antoni has always understood the importance of Marshall-based people being involved in our men’s basketball program and in Marshall Athletics – those who have given their heart and sweat equity to the university in pursuit of its success,” Spears said. “Through his mentorship and guidance over the past decade, he has helped pave a path to ensure that continues in the future while expanding Marshall’s coaching presence in the college ranks.
“That is why I am so confident that Corny has been prepared for this and is ready to be our Head Coach. Danny also believes in him and his ability to get us back to a tournament championship and the NCAA Tournament.”