Joe Golding announced as the new head coach at UTEP

Abilene Christian head coach Joe Golding, who led his alma mater to the NCAA Tournament twice in the last three years, was officially announced on Tuesday as the new head coach at UTEP. He was 158-144 overall at ACU, helping guide the program into Division I play and pulling off a monumental upset of Texas last month in their opening round match-up.

“We couldn’t be more excited to announce Joe Golding as our new head coach,” AD Jim Senter said in a statement. “He is well-connected in the Lone Star State with deep ties to West Texas. He has built Abilene Christian University into a successful Division I program in the Southland Conference. Coach Golding is highly thought of by his peers and is a defensive-minded coach. We are excited to launch a thrilling new era of Miner Basketball.”

The Wildcats are 71-23 over the last three years, one of the better mid-major programs in the state of Texas. Golding played at ACU in the 90s and served as an assistant there for a few years before returning in 2011 to lead the program. His work building the program from Division II to NCAA Tournament regular has caught the attention of many around the college basketball world. It was only a matter of time before a larger program brought him on board.

“I’m honored and humbled to be the next head coach at UTEP,” said Golding. “Growing up in Midland and West Texas, I know all about the storied history and tradition of the Miner program – the 1966 national championship, the NCAA Tournament appearances, the conference titles and all the tremendous head coaches who have come through the Sun City, including the legendary Don Haskins. I look forward to putting the Miner program back on top in Conference USA.”

The Miners have not been to the NCAA Tournament since 2010. Previous head coach Rodney Terry, who was 37-48 in three years at the helm, left earlier this month to take a job on Chris Beard‘s staff at UT.

credit to UTEP Athletics for the image