Tevon Saddler named head coach at Nicholls

Former Colonels player Tevon Saddler has been announced as the new head coach at Nicholls. Saddler spent last season as director of player personnel at Maryland and previously worked as director of basketball operations under Austin Claunch at Nicholls from 2019-21.

“We’re ecstatic to welcome back Tevon Saddler to lead our men’s basketball program,” AD Johnathan Terrell said. “The energy and excitement he’ll bring to the program will keep Nicholls in the championship conversation. We are confident that he will have an extraordinary impact on our team, university, and community.”

Saddler is just 28 years old, making him the youngest head coach in Division I men’s basketball. He graduated from Nicholls back in 2018 and started his coaching career as a graduate assistant under his former coach Richie Riley at South Alabama. Originally from Maryland, Saddler returned to his home state in 2022 to join the Terps’ staff under new head coach Kevin Willard.

“I am extremely blessed and honored to be welcomed back home with open arms and support,” Saddler said. “I would like to thank President Dr. Jay Clune and Director of Athletics Johnathan Terrell for the opportunity to lead Nicholls Men’s Basketball into its future. I want to be clear to everyone in Thibodaux, we are going to continue to do great things. This place holds a very special place in my heart, with amazing fan support and the people within the community. We look forward to continuing to form a deep relationship within the community. Together we build, the evolution of the program begins now. Geaux Colonels!”

Saddler takes over for Claunch, who stepped down his position after five seasons to be an assistant at Alabama. Claunch went 90-61 overall with the Colonels, winning two Southland titles and going to the NIT last year.

credit to Nicholls Athletics for the image