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Nicholls State University men’s basketball coach Richie Riley is apparently cashing in on his success.
A report by ESPN said the Riley agreed to become South Alabama’s head coach this morning, ending his tenure in Thibodaux after just two seasons.
South Alabama confirmed that report with a release this afternoon, which announced the hire. Nicholls confirmed it later as well, announcing that assistant coach John Aiken will be the interim coach while a national search is conducted.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity I was given at Nicholls,” Riley said. “It’s been a blessing to be the head coach here and getting to meet so many great people in this community. Being from Kentucky and coming from Clemson, I didn’t exactly know what to expect, but the people here welcomed my wife, Jess, and my family with open arms. It’s just a credit to the special people we have in Thibodaux.”
Riley landed in Thibodaux before the 2016-17 season and quickly build the Colonels into contenders, winning 20 games this spring in his second-season with the team, while leading the Colonels to the co-Southland Conference regular season title.
But an exit plan was pretty clearly paved because Nicholls was predominantly senior-laden and the team will have to replace almost all of its contributing pieces next season. There were also reports this offseason linking Riley to the job at Eastern Kentucky University, his alma mater.
But at the end of the day, it appears as though South Alabama will be the coach’s new home – another crack at a renovation project.
The Jaguars won 14 games last season, finishing near the middle of the Sun Belt.
In a release issued by South Alabama, Riley said he views his new home as a ‘sleeping giant’.
“From the moment I stepped foot on campus I was blown away first by the leadership — from President [Dr. Tony] Waldrop to Joel to [Deputy Athletic Director] Daniel [McCarthy] — that is so impressive and passionate,” said Riley of South Alabama’s structure. “These facilities are second to none when it comes not just to our league but compared to some of the best facilities at the mid-major level in the entire country, and every person that I came across in Mobile — whether it was on campus or in the community — met us with a smile on their face and made us feel like we were home from the second we arrived. Since my days at UAB and Clemson as an assistant, I’ve always looked at South Alabama as a sleeping giant.”
Attempts to reach both Riley and Nicholls officials were not returned, but the news has swarmed on social media and many in the community have reacted, offering congratulations to the young coach, who has quickly earned his mark as one of the top recruiters in the country. The news was later confirmed when both South Alabama and Nicholls officially announced the hiring on social media and on their website.
After losing to Stephen F. Austin in the Southland Conference Tournament, he said that he was looking forward to next season with the team, talking about what the senior group did to elevate “our program.”
But less than a week after that result, plans have changed and now, the Colonels will be looking for a new coach for the third time in four seasons.
Riley said he wanted to thank his players for their work over the past two seasons. He said he wants the credit for the team’s successes to go to them.
““All the credit goes to our players,” Riley said. “They’ve been unbelievable to coach and have changed our program here at Nicholls. I give them all the credit. We created a winning culture, and that’s something a lot of people didn’t think could be done here. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Nicholls and the community of Thibodaux. It’s been a special two years that I wouldn’t trade for anything in this world.”
Nicholls AD Matt Roan added that Riley is leaving on good terms and the university appreciates his time with Nicholls.
South Alabama’s head coach last season earned far more than Riley made last year, and it’s highly likely that the coach will receive a sizable jump in pay with the Jaguars.
“Coach Riley did a remarkable job during his two-year run here at Nicholls and once again proved that Nicholls can have a special basketball program,” Roan said. “Richie is a personal friend and I wish him nothing but the best at South Alabama. I know that he will do great things for their program just like he did at our place. Moving forward, our focus will be finding the next head coach to continue the positive momentum and the upward trajectory of the program. I am certain we will be able to bring on board someone who has great character, is a relentless recruiter, and has the talent to help us pursue and win championships.”
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