USC hires Eric Musselman as coach: Trojans poach Arkansas boss in shock move to replace Andy Enfield

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USC has hired Arkansas men’s head basketball coach Eric Musselman to the same position, the school announced on Thursday. Musselman interviewed for the job Wednesday with Trojans athletic director Jennifer Cohen, sources confirmed to CBS Sports. 

The Trojans poaching Musselman from Arkansas is a sport-shaking move. Once upon a time, the idea of a coach leaving the hoops hotbed of Arkansas for USC was borderline unthinkable, but these are different times. Circumstances matter a lot as well. Musselman was heavily swayed by the location, in addition to a fresh start after a rocky 2023-24 season that ended with a whimper. The opportunity presented itself once Andy Enfield decided to leave USC after 11 seasons to start anew at SMU. 

“My family and I couldn’t be more excited for this incredible opportunity at USC,” Musselman said in a statement. “I am grateful to President Folt and Jen Cohen for the chance to lead the men’s basketball program at such a world-class university with a rich tradition of success. We will be committed to the development of our student-athletes and upholding the values that make the Trojan Family so special. We will hit the ground running and work tirelessly to make our great alumni, fans and all of Los Angeles proud.”

Musselman, 59, spent the past five seasons in Fayetteville, Arkansas, guiding the Razorbacks to Elite Eight runs in 2021 and 2022 as well as a Sweet 16 appearance in 2023. When Arkansas made the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament in 2021, it marked the first time in 25 years the Hogs had earned a Sweet 16 berth. He had restored something meaningful there. But, this past season was the low point; despite being ranked in the preseason, Musselman’s team severely underachieved and wound up 16-17, his only sub-.500 run with the program.

Over the past five years, Musselman went 111-59 and had four seasons between 20-28 wins. His career mark in Division I is…

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Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/usc-hires-eric-musselman-as-coach-trojans-poach-arkansas-boss-in-shock-move-to-replace-andy-enfield/

Author : Matt Norlander

Publish date : 2024-04-04 19:33:56

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