WASHINGTON, D.C. – Georgetown has hired Ed Cooley to be the school’s next head men’s basketball coach, the University announced in a press release.
Cooley, a mainstay of the Big East and the Providence coach since 2011, will be introduced in a formal press conference at the Thompson Athletic Center on Wednesday. Following the dismissal of Patrick Ewing, University President John DeGioia and Athletic Director Lee Reed led a national coaching search that quickly zeroed in on Cooley.
In a statement, Reed said, “We are deeply honored that Coach Cooley will be joining our community as the next leader of our Men’s basketball program. Ed is a proven leader and an experienced coach, whose values and knowledge of the game will lead our program into this new chapter. His commitment to excellence on and off the court will bring out the best of our basketball program and will give each member of our team the experiences and support they need to thrive. We look forward to welcoming Ed and his family into this new role in our community.”
Cooley compiled a 242-153 record at Providence while appearing in seven NCAA Tournaments, climaxing with a Sweet 16 appearance in 2021-2022. Cooley’s Friars concluded their season with a 61-53 loss to 6-seed Kentucky on Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Prior to his tenure at Providence, Cooley led Fairfield to a 92-69 record in five seasons, making an NIT appearance in his last season with the Stags.
Cooley’s transition from Providence to Georgetown will undoubtedly serve as a move that will send shockwaves through the conference and the country, and likely bring some degree of rivalry back to the Big East.
Cooley will look to completely rebuild a Georgetown Hoyas team that has found itself in the cellar of the Big East during the last two seasons, as the program has won just two conference games combined.
The Hoyas, who last reached the NCAA Tournament in 2021 but have not received an at-large bid since 2015, have had five players from last season’s team enter the transfer portal. With more departures likely on the way, Cooley will have his work cut out to bring the dormant program back to the national stage.
Great job calling this John!