Joe Mihalich, who missed the entire 2020-21 season for health reasons, will not return to the Hofstra sidelines. He will, however, stay with the school and transition into the role of special advisor to Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr.
“Coach Mihalich has been an incredible leader, educator, and steward of our men’s basketball program over the past eight years,” Cole Jr. said in a statement. “His leadership from day one has allowed our program to experience tremendous levels of success, both on and off the court. He values the student-athlete experience in every way and has put a priority on winning the right way. Joe is a wonderful ambassador for our University and I am personally thrilled to have him as a trusted colleague here at Hofstra. Joe’s remarkable level of success here at Hofstra and at every stop along his unbelievable coaching career showcases the type of coach and person he is. We are so grateful for his years of service on the sidelines here at Hofstra.”
Mihalich was 141-92 in seven seasons at the helm, reaching two NITs and one CBI with the Pride. They would have gone to the NCAA Tournament last year after winning the CAA Tournament and CAA regular season titles. Before Hofstra, he spent fifteen seasons at Niagara where he won 265 games and took the Purple Eagles to the NCAA Tournament twice.
“I love Hofstra University and the entire Pride family,” Mihalich said. “Having that championship moment in 2020 is something I, and the entire Hofstra family, will never forget. I am thankful for all of the student-athletes that I have coached and the staff members that were with me over the past eight years. I look forward to serving the Hofstra Pride in a new role and seeing our programs continue to flourish.”
Mike Farrelly has been serving as acting head coach, going 13-10 this past season, while a national search has begun to find the next head coach of the Pride.
credit to Hofstra Athletics for the image
