Southern Methodist University (SMU) is in the final stages of negotiations to secure the services of Andy Enfield, the current head coach of the University of Southern California (USC), to assume the leadership of the Mustangs’ basketball program as they prepare to join the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for the upcoming season. According to a credible source, the appointment is expected to be confirmed within the next few days, pending official announcement.
Enfield, who has accumulated a record of 220 wins and 147 losses during his 11-year tenure at USC, is poised to assume the helm at SMU following the departure of former head coach Rob Lanier last March. The recent performance of the Mustangs in the National Invitation Tournament, combined with their impending entry into the ACC, necessitates a change in leadership as they aim to reinvigorate their basketball program.
Despite their relatively low profile in the NCAA Tournament in recent years, SMU’s inclusion in the ACC presents a significant opportunity for the university, particularly given the conference’s strong presence in the NCAA Elite Eight this season. This move also highlights the growing importance of basketball in the ACC, as SMU joins the esteemed ranks of collegiate basketball programs such as Duke and North Carolina State.
Enfield’s achievements at USC, including five NCAA Tournament appearances and an Elite Eight appearance in 2021, underscore his abilities as a leader and coach. His notable coaching career began at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he guided the team to an impressive Sweet 16 run in 2013, solidifying his reputation as a coach with a preference for an electrifying, fast-paced playing style.
Additionally, Enfield’s expertise in developing NBA-caliber talent, as evidenced by players like Evan Mobley, Onyeka Okongwu, and Isaiah Mobley, reflects his capacity to foster and nurture top-tier talent. His established track record and extensive coaching experience, which began with roles as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics, make him a compelling choice for SMU.
The pending appointment of Enfield is set to breathe new life into SMU’s basketball program as they strive to make an impact in the highly competitive landscape of the ACC. With the addition of a coach of Enfield’s calibre, SMU is poised for an exciting new phase in their basketball journey.
In conclusion, the potential selection of Andy Enfield as the new head coach of SMU underscores the university’s dedication to elevating its basketball program in anticipation of the challenges and opportunities presented in the ACC. Enfield’s impressive coaching background and his demonstrable ability to develop top-tier talent augur well for the Mustangs as they embark on a new chapter in their basketball odyssey.
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*AP Sports Writer Beth Harris in Los Angeles contributed to this report.*
*AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball*