Andrew Steele Named Director of Men’s Basketball Operations

TROY, Ala. – Andrew Steele has been named Troy's new director of men's basketball operations following a two-year stint at South Alabama, head coach Phil Cunningham announced Wednesday. Steele takes over for Mike Worley who was promoted to an assistant coach on Monday.

"We're thrilled to add Andrew to our staff as the director of operations," Cunningham said. "He caught my eye a long time ago as a high school prospect playing for the Alabama Challenge AAU team when I was an assistant coach trying to recruit him at Mississippi State. He eventually went to Alabama where our teams at State and his Crimson Tide teams were heated rivals. He was a tremendous leader and competitor as a player, and those same characteristics are what make him an outstanding coach today. He's got a very bright future ahead of him in the coaching profession, and we're really excited about how he is going to help our guys on and off the floor."

Steele began his career at South Alabama as a graduate assistant and was quickly promoted to director of basketball operations following just one season.

"Brittany and I are extremely appreciative and excited for the chance to join the Trojan basketball program and be a part of this great athletic program and university," Steele said. "I've always respected Coach Cunningham, going back to his days at Mississippi State, so this is an unbelievable opportunity to learn from him and work with a great staff he's assembled here at Troy. This is a great step forward in continuing my coaching career, and I'm blessed to be able to do it at a place as good as Troy."

During his tenure with the Jags, Steele also served as the video coordinator, overseeing the filming of practice and games, and the exchange of film with other schools. Additionally, he assisted with player and team development, conducted individual workouts, and was responsible for all analytics during practices and games. He also monitored the academic progress of the student-athletes and managed the student manager staff.

Prior to arriving at South Alabama, Steele spent two years at John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham, Ala., where he was a physical education teacher and the boys head basketball coach. He implemented practice plans for the ninth grade, junior varsity and varsity squads, and was responsible for all administrative aspects for each of the three teams.

"The Steele name brings instant credibility among basketball circles in the state of Alabama, and I'm looking forward to the many ways that Andrew can add to our program," Cunningham said. "I love the fact that he's only a few years removed from playing at a high level of college basketball, yet he's already gained valuable experience in a variety of coaching roles. Every member of a coaching staff plays a role in the recruiting process, and Andrew is going to add great value to our efforts simply from his opportunity to mentor our players. One of our boosters who knows Andrew asked me, "What parent wouldn't be excited about their son being around Andrew Steele every day?", and I totally agree."

As a player with the Alabama basketball program, Steele appeared in 94 games with 20 starts in five years. He averaged 4.2 points and posted a 1.3 assist/turnover ratio, and helped the Crimson Tide to three 20-win seasons, an NCAA appearance, and two NIT berths.

Steele was selected as a team captain his senior season, earned the Hustle Award in each of his final two years, and won the Guy Lee Defensive Player Award in 2008-09.

The Birmingham native earned his bachelor's degree in business marketing in 2012 from Alabama and earned his master's degree from South Alabama in sports management in 2018.

Steele is married to the former Brittany Hines, who ran track at the University of Alabama.

Troy University Athletics

Andrew Steele Named Director of Men’s Basketball Operations

Related Videos