Mark Byington leaving JMU to be head coach at Vanderbilt
Mark Byington is headed to the SEC, leaving James Madison after four seasons to become the new head coach at Vanderbilt. Byington went 82-36 overall at JMU and led the team to the NCAA Tournament in 2024.
“Vanderbilt is getting an extraordinary coach and person in Mark Byington,” AD Candice Storey Lee said. “From our first conversations, Coach Byington impressed me with his competitiveness, his intensity, his passion for developing young men on and off the court, his love for the game, and his plan to elevate Vanderbilt men’s basketball to new levels of success. I was struck by the shared passion that we have for what this basketball program can be and for all that is possible at this great institution. I was also impressed with Mark’s approach to building an elite culture and his desire to fully immerse himself in all corners of Commodore Nation. He has proven his ability to turn programs around at Georgia Southern and James Madison by working tirelessly and communicating a shared vision.”
Byington, 47, was also the head coach at Georgia Southern from 2013-20 and had a brief stint as interim head coach at College of Charleston in 2012. He brings an overall head coach record of 220-137 to Nashville.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be the head men’s basketball coach at Vanderbilt University. I know Commodore fans are eager for success and we will get there together,” said Byington. “I was blown away by the passion and enthusiasm of Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director Candice Storey Lee and Chancellor Daniel Diermeier. We share the same vision that Vanderbilt basketball belongs as one of the nation’s elite programs. I look forward to meeting the fans, alumni, students and all of Commodore Nation. Our time is coming. Get ready!!!”
Vanderbilt parted ways with former head coach Jerry Stackhouse after five seasons without any NCAA Tournament appearances. The Commodores last went dancing in 2017 and have not reached the Sweet Sixteen since 2007,
credit to Vanderbilt Athletics for the image
