Baker Dunleavy stepping down as head coach at Quinnipiac for new role at Villanova
Baker Dunleavy has resigned after six seasons as head coach at Quinnipiac and return to Villanova in a non-coaching role. Dunleavy went 86-93 overall with one postseason appearance (2019 CIT) and is coming off his first 20-win season at the helm.
“After a period of post-season reflection, I have decided to step down from my position as Head Men’s Basketball Coach,” Dunleavy said in a statement. “Chrissi, our four girls, and I would like to thank the Quinnipiac community, especially the amazing staff and players that have worked so tirelessly these past six seasons. We feel it is time for us to take a step out of coaching into a new exciting opportunity for our family. The University and the State of Connecticut will always hold a special place in our hearts and a part of us will always be Bobcats.”
Dunleavy was hired back in 2017 after spending seven seasons on staff at his alma mater, Villanova, including four as Jay Wright‘s associate head coach. He played for the Wildcats and initially worked in the private sector after graduation before returning to Villanova in 2010 to join Wright’s staff as director of basketball operations.
Dunleavy’s role at Villanova will be General Manager of Basketball, a newly-created position in which he will be supporting both head basketball coaches – Kyle Neptune and Denise Dillon – in “managing a myriad of responsibilities that impact both programs.” That will include opportunities and education around NIL, the transfer portal, student-athlete brand-building and institutional fundraising.
“The dramatic changes in college basketball over the past several years have brought new challenges and forced us to collectively think differently,” said Villanova AD Mark Jackson. “I believe the creation of the GM role, particularly with Baker at the helm, positions Villanova well competitively for the future. It will allow Villanova to be even more forward-thinking and bring an innovative and seasoned perspective to the ever-evolving college basketball landscape. Most of all, Baker is a wonderful person and a great Villanovan.”
credit to Villanova Athletics for the image
