LOS ANGELES — Eric Musselman, who has spent the past five seasons at the University of Arkansas, was named the USC men’s basketball coach, the school announced Thursday. Musselman will be formally introduced at a news conference Friday.
“I am beyond excited to welcome Eric, Danyelle and their incredible family to USC,” USC athletic director Jennifer Cohen said in a statement. “We were determined to find the best coach to champion the development of our student-athletes and elevate our men’s basketball program. His track record of building winning programs and his unwavering commitment to a culture of excellence make him the perfect fit for USC.”
Musselman (111-59 at Arkansas) led the Razorbacks to three NCAA tournaments, including two Elite Eight runs and three Sweet 16 berths in his five seasons. Arkansas was ranked as high as No. 6 (USA Today Coaches Poll) during his tenure.
“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 [Carol] 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.”
The move returns Musselman to the West where he spent most of his coaching career. He led the University of Nevada (2016-19) to three Mountain West Conference regular-season titles and a Sweet 16 run, including a NCAA Tournament bid in 2017.
Before that he coached a combined three seasons for two NBA teams (Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors) and another two seasons leading two teams in the G-League (Reno and Los Angeles).
“I want to welcome Coach Musselman and his family to Los Angeles for one of the most anticipated eras in the history of USC athletics,” Folt said in a statment. “During my conversation with Eric, it was clear he will put students first, shape future leaders, and win the right way.”
Musselman has been named coach of the year at the collegiate level (Mountain West, 2018) and the minor league level (G-League, 2012; United States Basketball League, 1996).
