Malone Adds Former Providence Head Coach Kim English to UNC's Staff Michael Malone has added former George Mason and Providence head coach Kim English to his staff at North Carolina, according to sources confirmed by TarHeel247. English, who will turn 38 in September, was recently let go by Providence after serving as its head coach for three seasons. With 11 years of coaching experience since his playing career ended in 2015, English brings a mix of collegiate and professional basketball expertise to the Tar Heels. A former two-time All-Big 12 player at Missouri, English transitioned to coaching in 2015 after his playing days concluded. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Tulsa, Colorado, and Tennessee, working under notable mentors such as Frank Haith, Tad Boyle, and Rick Barnes. His playing career included 41 games with the Detroit Pistons and several seasons overseas before retiring as a professional. English’s collegiate coaching journey began at Missouri, where he played for four seasons and became a key contributor. During his time with the Tigers, Missouri reached the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons, including a run to the Elite Eight in his freshman year. The team compiled a 107-34 record during his tenure, with English ranking 13th in program history in scoring. His career averages at Missouri were 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, with a total of 1,570 points. In 2021, English was named head coach at George Mason, where he led the Patriots to a 34-29 record in two seasons. His first season as head coach included a notable victory, as the team secured its first true road win over a ranked team by defeating Maryland. The Patriots also participated in the NIT during his first year.#george_mason #providence #kim_english #missouri #michael_malone
Kim English’s Coaching Tenure at Providence Ends Amid Struggles and High Expectations Kim English’s arrival at Providence College in 2023 came at a time of immense pressure. The Friars were reeling from the departure of head coach Ed Cooley, who left for Georgetown just as Providence seemed to be on the cusp of a breakthrough. Cooley’s exit, coupled with the perception that he had prioritized his own career over the program, left fans in Rhode Island deeply disillusioned. The team had won the Big East regular season title in 2022 and reached the Sweet 16 for the first time in 25 years, but the abrupt departure of a coach who had led them to that point created a vacuum of trust and stability. English, a 34-year-old with just two years of head coaching experience at George Mason, inherited a program steeped in frustration and high expectations. The challenges he faced were compounded by the evolving college basketball landscape. Over the past three years, the sport had undergone rapid changes, including the expansion of the transfer portal and the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Providence’s roster was constantly in flux, with high-profile hires like Rick Pitino and Dan Hurley reshaping the Big East. English, who had never coached at the NCAA Division I level, was thrust into a competitive environment where rebuilding and adapting were constant demands. The fanbase, already wary of Cooley’s departure, was skeptical of his ability to navigate the program’s turbulent state. English’s first season at Providence was a modest success. The Friars secured 21 wins, reached the Big East Tournament semifinals, and developed key players like Devin Carter and Josh Oduro.#big_east #kim_english #providence_college #ed_cooley #georgetown
The Kim English Era Is Officially Over The Providence College men’s basketball team suffered a decisive defeat at the hands of St. John’s in the second round of the Big East Tournament, marking the end of Kim English’s tenure as head coach. The loss, a 85-72 decision, ended a three-year coaching stint that began with promise but concluded in turmoil. The Friars trailed by 20 points for much of the game, a stark contrast to the optimism that accompanied English’s arrival. English’s era at Providence was defined by both highs and lows. Early in his career, the team appeared poised for success, with a mix of talented freshmen and solid sophomores. Players like Stefan Vaaks and Jamier Jones, along with Ryan Mela and Oswin Erhunmwunse, were expected to form a strong foundation. However, the past year saw a decline in performance, leading to the current situation. With the loss to St. John’s, the program now faces an uncertain future. The departure of English leaves the Friars without a coach, and all four key players—Vaaks, Jones, Mela, and Erhunmwunse—are now free agents. These athletes are expected to pursue lucrative opportunities, with earnings surpassing $1 million annually. Jones and Vaaks, in particular, could command contracts exceeding $2 million. For fans, this transition signals a period of instability, as the program navigates the absence of a clear leader. English’s three-year record of 46-49 reflects a struggle to consistently compete in the Big East. His team won less than 40% of conference games, a statistic that has fueled criticism. The search for a replacement remains unpredictable, with multiple names circulating but no clear consensus. The circumstances of English’s exit are as much about personal dynamics as they are about performance.#kim_english #providence_college #st_john_s #stefan_vaaks #jamier_jones
