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Akron confident Dustin Ford is right coach to lead Zips men's basketball
TL;DR
Dustin Ford has been officially introduced as the 23rd head coach of the University of Akron men's basketball team. He expressed gratitude to his supporters and shared a light-hearted moment despite a challenging start to his day.
Dustin Ford reflected on the past, the present and the future Wednesday, April 15 when he was officially introduced as the 23rd head coach of the University of Akron men’s basketball team.
Ford had a long list of thank you’s, spanning from his family members, to friends, to administrators, to players and to coaches, including John Groce, who left the Zips last month to become the College of Charleston men’s basketball coach.
“It's a special day for me and my family to be named the next head men's basketball coach at the University of Akron,” Ford said Wednesday inside the LeBron James Family Foundation House Three Thirty Cabaret.
Ford was serious, but also cracked a few jokes after “a rough start to the morning” at around 5 a.m. when his hot water heater went out at home and his printer gave him fits in his office on the UA campus.
From left, University of Akron athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich, Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford and UA president R.J. Nemer, pose for a photo during the introduction of Ford as the new Zips coach on April 15, 2026, at House Three Thirty in Akron.
Zippy claps as the new University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford is congratulated by UA President R.J. Nemer at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
From left, University of Akron president R.J. Nemer, Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford and athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich take a selfie after the introduction of Ford as the new Zips coach on April 15, 2026, at House Three Thirty in Akron.
New University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford speaks the event introducing him as the new head coach at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
New University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford listens to UA’s athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich during an event introducing coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford talks to Bud Wentz before the event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April 15, 2026.
University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford applauds as UA President R.J. Nemer is introduced during an event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
New men's basketball coach Dustin Ford is congratulated by UA president R.J. Nemer at the event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April 15, 2026.
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
From left, University of Akron athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich, Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford and UA president R.J. Nemer, pose for a photo during the introduction of Ford as the new Zips coach on April 15, 2026, at House Three Thirty in Akron.
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
From left, University of Akron athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich, Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford and UA president R.J. Nemer, pose for a photo during the introduction of Ford as the new Zips coach on April 15, 2026, at House Three Thirty in Akron.
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
Zippy claps as the new University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford is congratulated by UA President R.J. Nemer at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
From left, University of Akron president R.J. Nemer, Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford and athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich take a selfie after the introduction of Ford as the new Zips coach on April 15, 2026, at House Three Thirty in Akron.
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
New University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford speaks the event introducing him as the new head coach at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
New University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford listens to UA’s athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich during an event introducing coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford talks to Bud Wentz before the event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April 15, 2026.
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford applauds as UA President R.J. Nemer is introduced during an event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
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UA men's basketball coach Dustin Ford debuts at House Three Thirty
New men's basketball coach Dustin Ford is congratulated by UA president R.J. Nemer at the event to introduce coach Ford at House Three Thirty in Akron on April 15, 2026.
Ford called on his wife, Marcie, to fix “the breaker” for the hot water heater in the basement of their home, and Akron assistant coach, Devan Morrow, fixed the printer.
Ford’s wife and their children, Abbie and Max, were in attendance along with a couple of hundred people.
From left, University of Akron president R.J. Nemer, Zips men's basketball coach Dustin Ford and athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich take a selfie after the introduction of Ford as the new Zips coach on April 15, 2026, at House Three Thirty in Akron.
“For decades, this program has had a standard of excellence fueled by a championship pedigree,” Akron President R.J. Nemer said. “Today, we continue that legacy with the appointment of a new head coach, Dustin Ford, the 23rd head coach in the program’s 125-year history.
“In most instances, the process of hiring a head coach can be complex and prolonged and formed by a variety of internal and external perspectives. I am proud to share that this process and this decision were both clear and resolute.”
Ford, a graduate of Cambridge High School and Ohio University, thanked his father/high school coach, Gene Ford, and his college coach, Larry Hunter, for their tutelage though the years. Ford also thanked Groce, Nemer and several other Akron administrators.
“I have always enjoyed watching R.J. work and see his passion for the University of Akron,” Ford said. “His drive and his work ethic to recruit students to the University is something we all respect in the athletic department. Recruiting and retention are one of the most important things in college athletics today. We have a great example in how to do that with President Nemer.”
Ford was named Akron’s men’s basketball coach last month after spending 18 years as an assistant coach under Groce at Ohio University, Illinois and Akron.
The Groce-Ford tandem guided Akron to four Mid-American Conference Tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026. The Zips also won MAC regular-season championships in 2020 and 2025.
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips head coach John Groce plays up to the cameras as he accepts the Mid-American Conference championship after beating the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott hugs his family after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) reacts at the end of the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks for a layup against Toledo Rockets forward Jaylan Ouwinga (32) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott catches a piece of confetti during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Akron Zips men’s basketball team celebrates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots a three against the Toledo Rockets during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Toledo Rockets center Austin Parks (25) throws down a dunk between Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) and guard Evan Mahaffey (12) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) shoots against a pair of Toledo defenders during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) battles for the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates as Akron comes back during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron guard Tavari Johnson celebrates with teammates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips head coach John Groce gives an official an earful during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Bowen Hardman (15) celebrates after a three during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
An Akron cheerleader performs during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) puts up a shot during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks to the basket for a layup over Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) and Toledo Rockets guard Mynor Strong (5) fights for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) looks for a layup ahead of Toledo Rockets guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (2) and center Austin Parks (25) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) celebrates after a three during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) controls the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Toledo Rockets forward Sean Craig (7) and Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) fight for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
An Akron Zips player shows off his section of net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots over Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates with guard Zach Halligan after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips head coach John Groce celebrates his third consecutive Mid-American Conference championship win with Sandy Hamad at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson cuts down the net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) is mobbed by teammates after his game winner to secure the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips head coach John Groce plays up to the cameras as he accepts the Mid-American Conference championship after beating the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott hugs his family after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) reacts at the end of the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks for a layup against Toledo Rockets forward Jaylan Ouwinga (32) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott catches a piece of confetti during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
The Akron Zips men’s basketball team celebrates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots a three against the Toledo Rockets during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Toledo Rockets center Austin Parks (25) throws down a dunk between Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) and guard Evan Mahaffey (12) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) shoots against a pair of Toledo defenders during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) battles for the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates as Akron comes back during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron guard Tavari Johnson celebrates with teammates after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips head coach John Groce gives an official an earful during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Bowen Hardman (15) celebrates after a three during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
An Akron cheerleader performs during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Evan Mahaffey (12) puts up a shot during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson (5) looks to the basket for a layup over Toledo Rockets guard Kyler Vanderjagt (4) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) and Toledo Rockets guard Mynor Strong (5) fights for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) looks for a layup ahead of Toledo Rockets guard Leroy Blyden Jr. (2) and center Austin Parks (25) during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey (4) celebrates after a three during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship against the Toledo Rockets at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) controls the ball against Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Toledo Rockets forward Sean Craig (7) and Akron Zips guard Sharron Young (3) fight for the ball during the second half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
An Akron Zips player shows off his section of net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Shammah Scott (1) shoots over Toledo Rockets guard Will James Jr. (11) during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips forward Amani Lyles (0) celebrates with guard Zach Halligan after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips head coach John Groce celebrates his third consecutive Mid-American Conference championship win with Sandy Hamad at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mid-American Conference championship photos, Akron Zips vs. Toledo
Akron Zips guard Tavari Johnson cuts down the net after winning the Mid-American Conference championship at Rocket Arena, March 14, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
“Seems like yesterday he [Groce] interviewed me in a parking lot at the Kentucky Hoopfest,” Ford said. “It was a quick interview. Not sure how much I got to say that night, and a lot of you can relate to that I'm sure. Coach, we love you, but sometimes it is hard to get a word in.
“… The rest is history. I stand here 18 years later, and John has turned me into who I am today as a coach. John is one of the best coaches and teachers in the game of basketball, and I've had a front row seat to watch him work. He has prepared me for this opportunity. People always ask me, how do you work with someone so long in this profession? John let me coach. John gave me responsibility. John helped me grow so I'd be ready for a moment like today. I may still call him once a week so we can argue like we did all season, though."
Ford also thanked former Akron athletic directors Larry Williams and Charles Guthrie, Fear the Roo Collective founder Bud Wentz.
Zippy claps as the new University of Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford is congratulated by UA President R.J. Nemer at House Three Thirty in Akron on April, 15, 2026.
"I loved working with John, but after our second year [at Akron] I had some pretty good opportunities," Ford said. "I'll never forget it. Larry, obviously, was a really imposing figure. A big man. … He knocked on my door and asked if he could speak with me. He walked in and he shut the door. Sat across my desk and said ‘Hey, listen you're gonna have opportunities every year, but understand something, my plan is when John leaves, I want you to be our head coach.’
"Fast forward years later, we're on the road to James Madison, and I had that same conversation with Charles Guthrie, which made me feel a sense of belief. Fast forward, just like my two conversations prior with Larry and Charles, I’ll never forget that Monday morning when John and Andrew addressed our team that John would be taking another opportunity. When we were walking out of the meeting, Andrew asked if I could come over to his office to meet. I was certainly excited to do so, although on the walk my mind was racing.”
Goodrich said Nemer and UA’s administration on campus “demonstrated a level of professionalism that should inspire hope that the best is yet to come for the University of Akron and it's men’s basketball program” with its decision to hire Ford.
“As we look forward," Goodrich said, "I believe the future for Akron men's basketball is as bright as ever, built upon the success of Bob Huggins, Keith Dambrot and John Groce, we look forward to the next era of championship level basketball under the guidance of Dustin Ford. Dustin has been working very hard for a long time to ensure that he is fully prepared to lead this program."
Goodrich said Ford's impact on the program has been “immense" as the associate head coach. Goodrich praised the coach's work on and off the court, and said Ford and his wife Marcie are "incredibly respected" on campus.
"This almost seemed too easy," Goodrich said. "But when we were able to see the early feedback from the players, alumni, donors and fans we were absolutely certain that we had found the right man to lead this team.”
Dustin Ford finalizes his Akron coaching staff
Ford announced that he has retained Akron assistants Devan Morrow and Terry Weigand to work on his coaching staff, and has also hired Josh Jones, Todd May and Jay Shunnar as Zips assistants.
“The key to any successful organization is a great staff,” Ford said. “I had one thing in mind when putting it together, I wanted a staff no different than our players. They needed to be talented, but more importantly I wanted them to have a level of toughness, selflessness, high character and resilience. By having a staff with those qualities, it will ensure we have stability during adversity, which will allow long-term success by fostering a team that stays loyal through difficult times.”
Mar 20, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Akron Zips guard Zach Halligan (21) looks to pass against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Christian Anderson (4) in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Akron men’s basketball currently features 6 returnees
Ford said Akron has "retained a core group of guys who know what we are about."
When asked who is in that core, Ford said: “We had three guys redshirt this year: Josh Henderson, Tai Perkins and Cody Head. I am counting on all of those guys to take a step. Chabi Barre is back. Marv [Marvin Musiime-Kamali] is back and Zach Halligan is back. Marv and Zach are guys that are rocks. You talk about guys that can lead, guys that are selfless and guys that are about all of the things that we want to be about.”
Eric Mahaffey and Sharron Young, who both have eligibility remaining after being key members of the Akron rotation this past season, are in the transfer portal.
Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: New Akron men's basketball coach Dustin Ford ready for the moment
Q&A
Who is the new head coach of the University of Akron men's basketball team?
Dustin Ford is the new head coach of the University of Akron men's basketball team.
What did Dustin Ford say during his introduction as head coach?
Dustin Ford expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and colleagues, calling it a special day for him and his family.
Why did John Groce leave the University of Akron basketball team?
John Groce left to become the head coach of the College of Charleston men's basketball team.
What challenges did Dustin Ford face on the day of his introduction?
Dustin Ford faced issues with his hot water heater and printer, which he humorously mentioned during his introduction.
