POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Marist has hired Saint Peter’s John Dunne as their new head coach, according to Marist Athletics. The news was first reported by CBS Sports.
BREAKING: @MaristMBB will hire John Dunne as its next head coach.
Presser tentatively set for Thursday on campus. @marist @MaristAthletics @MAACSports
— Brandon Tierney (@BrandonTierney) April 3, 2018
For the past 12 years, Dunne has served as the Men’s Head Basketball Coach at MAAC-rival Saint Peter’s University. He was previously an assistant coach at Seton Hall University under Louis Orr. Dunne led the Saint Peter’s Peacocks in their 2011 MAAC Championship season.
“We’re extremely excited to welcome John and his family to the Hudson River Valley,” Murray said in a press release. “With over a decade of experience as a head coach, he has a proven ability to build teams and develop student-athletes. His teams are always tough, hard-working and competitive in the MAAC, and we look forward to Coach Dunne instilling that culture in our basketball program.”
Saint Peter’s finished one spot above Marist in the 2017-18 MAAC standings, owning a 6-12 conference record and 14-18 overall. Dunne owned a 153-225 record across his 12 seasons with Saint Peter’s.
“This is a great opportunity for myself and my family,” Dunne told Marist Athletics. “We’re excited to join the Marist and Hudson River Valley communities. Having been in the MAAC for the past 12 years, I’ve been impressed by the tremendous support this program has received. We’re excited for what this job has the potential to become.”
Rich Thomaselli of Hudson Valley Sports Report reports that Marist pivoted to Dunne after LeMoyne College Head Coach Patrick Beilein declined an offer made last week. Murray’s goal was to have their coach hired prior to the NCAA Final Four.
Dunne replaces Mike Maker, who was fired nearly a month ago after four seasons with Marist.
An introductory press conference is set for Thursday at 11 a.m. in the McCann Arena.
