And just like that, former Arkansas head men’s basketball coach Eric Musselman has joined another team. He officially joined the USC Trojans on Thursday afternoon, inking a new deal to make him the head basketball coach there.
With the announcement of the news, Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek took some time to issue a classy statement on Musselman’s time with the Hogs. He also let fans know that the search for a new head basketball coach in Fayetteville is underway.
“Today Coach Eric Musselman informed me of his decision to take the head coaching position at another institution. I am appreciative of his work at the University of Arkansas, including three straight Sweet Sixteen appearances. I wish Eric, Danyelle, and their family the best as they begin their next chapter,” Yurachek wrote in his social media post.
“A national media search for the next leader of our men’s basketball program has begun. As our success has demonstrated throughout the history of our program, the University of Arkansas is one of the premier opportunities in college basketball. I am confident we will identify a leader for our program that will build on the rich tradition of Razorback Basketball and provide a nationally competitive program for our University, our state, and passionate Razorback fans everywhere.”
USC statement on Musselman joining Trojans basketball
And Musselman, who is coming from Arkansas after a generally successful stint there, shared his excitement to get going. He promised to “hit the ground running” at USC.
“My family and I couldn’t be more excited for this incredible opportunity at USC,” Musselman said in the release. “I am grateful to President [Carol] Folt and Jen Cohen for the chance to lead the men’s basketball program at such a world-class university with a rich tradition of success. We will be committed to the development of our student-athletes and upholding the values that make the Trojan Family so special. We will hit the ground running and work tirelessly to make our great alumni, fans and all of Los Angeles proud.”
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Jennifer Cohen, the Trojans athletic director, praised Musselman in the release.
“I am beyond excited to welcome Eric, Danyelle and their incredible family to USC,” Cohen said. “We were determined to find the best coach to champion the development of our student-athletes and elevate our men’s basketball program. His track record of building winning programs and his unwavering commitment to a culture of excellence make him the perfect fit for USC. Eric displays heart, boldness, resiliency, and everything that it means to be a Trojan. He inspires togetherness and will help build and grow the program’s connectivity within the Trojan community. As we move to the Big Ten and enter a new chapter for USC Men’s Basketball, there is no better fit than Eric Musselman to launch our program to new heights.”
He was seen as the lead candidate to take over at USC
An opening was created for the Trojans when Andy Enfield decided to take his talents to the SMU Mustangs earlier this offseason. Now, Musselman will take over USC, and look to build the program into a true contender as they move into the Big Ten for the 2024-2025 campaign.
It’s a homecoming for Musselman to an extent, as he’s no stranger to the West Coast. He played college basketball at San Diego and was the head coach of both the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings during his career.
That was before he got into college coaching at Arizona State from 2012-14, and after a stint as LSU’s associate head coach, Musselman took over as the head coach at Nevada in 2015.
On the whole, between Nevada and Arkansas, Musselman has a 221-93 overall record to go with six NCAA Tournament appearances – including two Sweet Sixteens and two Elite Eights. He also won three consecutive Mountain West championships with the Wolf Pack, taking the team to the 2018 Sweet Sixteen.
As for USC, the Trojans had 15-18 overall record under Enfield this year, including an 8-12 mark in Pac-12 play, to miss out on the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans are preparing to leave for the Big Ten next season after a groundbreaking round of conference realignment, so a new era is upon them.
On3’s Andrew Graham also contributed to this article.
