Marvin Menzies hired as head coach at Kansas City
Former New Mexico State and UNLV head coach Marvin Menzies has been hired as the new head coach at Kansas City, the school announced on Tuesday. Menzies is 246-159 overall and has been to the NCAA Tournament five times, most recently with the Aggies in 2015.
“We are thrilled to welcome Marvin and his wife Tammy to our Kansas City Athletics family,” AD Dr. Brian Martin said. “Coach Menzies’s body of work in college basketball has been noteworthy, particularly in the areas of program academic success, player development, recruiting and establishing championship-level culture and standards. His postseason appearances and success are laudable and I hope to duplicate them in Kansas City. Coach Menzies will undoubtedly contribute to our mantra of comprehensive excellence.”
Menzies kicked off the modern era of success that is still underway at New Mexico State, going to five NCAA Tournaments and winning three WAC titles in nine years at the helm. He left NMSU in 2016 to take the UNLV job, but was not able to match that success and was fired after three seasons. Menzies most recently spent one season as the associate head coach at Grand Canyon.
“I am beyond excited to take over the helm for the Roos. I’ve been patiently looking for the right opportunity to give back to the game I love!” Menzies said. “After sitting with Chancellor Agrawal and Dr. Martin, it was clear that this would be an excellent new home for Tammy and I. The alignment at UMKC is exactly what we were looking for. We are extremely blessed and fortunate to join the Kansas City Athletics family. We can’t wait to get started and get a chance to meet all the fans, alumni, faculty, students, and faithful supporters! Kansas City is clearly a special place with a rich athletic pride and commitment. My staff and I will work relentlessly to bring conference championships to Kansas City. I’m looking forward to taking Kansas City basketball to the NCAA Tournament.”
The Roos have never been to the Big Dance, having moved up to D-I in 1989, and have only been to the postseason once since then (2017 CBI). Former head coach Billy Donlon stepped down last week after three years to go to Clemson, joining another former UMKC head coach, Kareem Richardson, on Brad Brownell‘s staff. Menzies will look to build off the momentum of this past season, as the Roos went 19-12 – their second most wins ever at the Division I level.
credit to Kansas City Athletics for the image
