Troy Names Adam Howard Men's Basketball Head Coach

TROY, Ala. – One of the top assistant coaches in the country, Adam Howard has been named the eighth head men's basketball coach in Troy program history, Troy Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr., and Troy Athletics Director Kyle George announced Sunday.

Troy will formally introduce Howard at a press conference Monday at 2:30 p.m. in the Stadium Club located on the fourth floor of Veterans Memorial Stadium. The event is open to the public.

Howard brings 16 years of coaching experience to Troy and has built a reputation as one of the game's premier offensive minds and an elite recruiter. He was selected to participate in the 2023 and 2024 TopConnect Basketball Symposiums, an annual event featuring many of the nation's top assistant coaches.

"Our basketball program enjoys a storied history and has benefited from the leadership of extraordinary coaches," Dr. Hawkins said. "Through his long service, Coach Don Maestri elevated the program from Division II to the highest level of college basketball. For the past seven years, we benefited from the strong leadership of Coach Scott Cross.

"Now we have an opportunity to add a new chapter through the leadership of Adam Howard. I am delighted to welcome Adam into the Troy family, and I look forward to continued success during the years ahead. Adam is a player's coach with a strategic mindset. I thank athletic director Kyle George for bringing Adam to the forefront. I'm confident Adam will guide our basketball program into the future with integrity, energy and success on the court."

Howard, who has participated in five NCAA Tournaments as a player and coach, begins his second stint as a Trojan, having served as an assistant coach with Troy from 2016-18, where he helped guide the Trojans to their first NCAA appearance in almost 15 years.

"This is an exciting day as we continue our championship momentum for the Troy men's basketball program," George said. "We are excited to bring Adam and his family back to Troy. Adam is one of the top tactical minds in college basketball and has a proven track record of success throughout his career. His ability to navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics will be paramount to our continued success. Adam is an elite tactician on both sides of the ball and comes highly recommended from elite coaches."

Howard joins the Trojans following one season at NC State, where he served as an assistant on Will Wade's staff, helping guide the Wolfpack to an NCAA Tournament appearance while overseeing the team's offense.

NC State ranked ninth nationally in 3-point percentage (38.8), 28th in 3-pointers per game (10.2) and 29th in scoring (83.2 points per game).

"On behalf of my family, we are grateful and honored for the opportunity to return to Troy University and lead the men's basketball program," Howard said. "I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Jack Hawkins and Athletics Director Kyle George for their trust and belief in me to guide this program. We are excited to build upon a championship-level foundation and are eager to get to work. We look forward to representing Troy with great pride, and we are excited to raise our family in the Troy Community."

Prior to his time in Raleigh, Howard spent three seasons on Nebraska's bench under head coach Fred Hoiberg.

During the 2023-24 season, the Huskers finished 23-11, the second-most wins in program history, and earned their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014. Nebraska averaged 77.7 points per game, its highest mark since the 1995-96 season, and exceeded expectations after being picked 12th in the preseason Big Ten poll, finishing tied for third — its best conference finish in more than 30 years.

The season included two wins over top-10 opponents, highlighted by an 88-72 victory over No. 1 Purdue, the program's first win over a top-ranked team since 1982.

Prior to Nebraska, Howard spent four seasons at South Alabama from 2018-22, where he was promoted to associate head coach prior to his final season.

His defenses ranked among the nation's best, finishing in the top 50 nationally in each of his final two years. The Jaguars recorded 200 or more steals in multiple seasons and averaged nearly seven per game.

South Alabama posted a 75-51 record during his tenure after entering his arrival on a five-year stretch of losing seasons.

In his first season with the Trojans, Troy earned a bid to the 2017 NCAA, the program's first since 2003. The 22 wins were also the most since that year and a 13-win improvement from the year prior. Howard was instrumental in the development of Jordan Varnado and Wesley Person, who rank first and second on Troy's all-time scoring list.

Troy also posted the highest GPA among Sun Belt programs in both seasons Howard was on staff.

Prior to Troy, Howard spent the 2014 season at Tennessee, where he helped develop Josh Richardson. Richardson, a First Team All-SEC selection, was the 40th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Howard was also responsible for signing Kevin Punter to the Vols, who was 12th in the nation in scoring as a senior and holds the Tennessee record for most points by a two-year player with 905.

Howard spent two seasons with Southern Miss from 2012-14, with the Golden Eagles compiling a 56-17 record with two postseason appearances during his time on staff. Winning a share of the Conference USA title, Southern Miss won a school record of 29 games during the 2013-14 season.

Howard began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Morehead State in 2009, and the following season was promoted to a full-time role.

In his second season on staff, the Eagles went 25-10 and earned a berth to the NCAA Tournament, where they upset No. 4-seeded Louisville in the first round. Two players from that Morehead State team went on to play professionally, including first round pick Kenneth Faried.

A four-year letterwinner, Howard played collegiately at Western Kentucky from 2004–08. He was part of three teams that advanced to postseason play, including a run to the Sweet 16 in 2008.

Western Kentucky won 96 games during Howard's four seasons, as he was a three-time recipient of the Danny Rumph Most Outstanding Teammate Award.

A native of Ashland, Ky., Howard and his wife, Renee, have two sons, Eli and Easton, and a daughter, Emma.

2026-27 TROY MEN'S BASKETBALL SEASON TICKETS
New season ticket deposits are available for fans interested in seeing Coach Howard and the Troy Trojans in action at Trojan Arena in 2026-27. Click HERE for more information and to place your deposits today. All current 2025-26 basketball season ticketholders will also receive communication in the coming months to renew their season tickets.

What They Are Saying About Adam Howard

Will Wade - LSU Head Coach
Adam is one of the most dynamic coaches I've worked with. He has an extended background on both sides of the ball and is able to communicate at an elite level with the players. Coach Howard is the entire package from identifying and recruiting players to coaching and mentoring the guys. This is a tremendous hire for Troy to continue the momentum.

Fred Hoiberg - Nebraska Head Coach
Adam played a major part in our program's turnaround during his three seasons on our staff at Nebraska, and I am excited that he has a chance to run his own program. He is a well-rounded coach who is very good with X's and O's, excels in player development and has a lot of connections in recruiting. Adam was an assistant at Troy when they made the NCAA Tournament in 2017 and has a great understanding of the Sun Belt with his time at both Troy and South Alabama. He is a great fit for Troy, and this is a great opportunity for Adam, Renee and their family.

Darrin Horn – Northern Kentucky Head Coach
Troy has secured a rising star in our profession with the hire of Adam Howard. From the time he was a player, Adam has demonstrated a unique ability to connect with and get the most out of those around him. He is a relentless worker and fierce competitor, and his team will reflect not only those qualities but his unwavering commitment to winning. He is a builder and a winner who will bring a blue-collar work ethic combined with a creative basketball mind that will be second to none. His teams will be prepared, tough, and relentless on both ends. In addition, he is a committed family man who will embrace the Troy community and reflect its values.

Ross Hodge – West Virginia Head Coach
Adam is a tremendous basketball mind who has an incredible ability to connect with student-athletes. He understands what it takes to win in the modern area of collegiate athletics and will be a great addition to Troy University.

Tom Crean – College Basketball TV Analyst
I have followed Adam since his playing days at Western Kentucky, and his coaching path has carried the same characteristics as he had as a player. Resilient, competitive, inquisitive, a problem solver and a winner. Adam has a great passion for player development, finding solutions and demanding excellence. Troy made a great choice. Adam is ready for what is in front of him.

Troy University Athletics

Troy Names Adam Howard Men's Basketball Head Coach

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