(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
Former Vanderbilt men’s basketball coach Kevin Stallings has agreed to a new six-year deal to coach the Pittsuburgh Panthers, the school announced Sunday.
He will replace Jamie Dixon who leaves Pitt after 13 years for his alma mater TCU.
Stallings spent the last 17 years coaching Vandy hoops, guiding the team to seven NCAA Tournament appearances, including this past season when the Commodores had a quick exit after losing to Wichita State in a First Four game.
“I am extremely excited to join the University of Pittsburgh family,” Stallings said in a statement. “Pitt has a tremendous basketball tradition and I am looking forward to building on the excellent foundation that is in place on the court and in the classroom. The city of Pittsburgh is outstanding and I have a great deal of respect for the people that make it such a special place. I look forward to seeing their support along with that of the Oakland Zoo next season at the Petersen Events Center.”
As a Division I head coach, Stallings has a record of 455 wins and 283 losses over a 23-year period.
In terms of the candidates who could replace Stallings, Adam Sparks of The Tennessean complied a comprehensive list of candidates who could potentially fill the Commodores’ men’s basketball coaching vacancy for the first time since Stallings came aboard in 1999.
The hiring of Stallings also presents a unique and potentially uncomfortable situation with former Vandy player and current senior, Sheldon Jeter, who played for Stallings as a freshman.
Jeter, who is from the Pittsburgh area, reportedly requested the transfer from Vandy to Pitt as a freshman to move closer to home but the move was initially blocked by Stallings.
— Sheldon Jeter (@JonBlaze_21) March 27, 2016
Jeter appeared to make a statement in response to the news that Stallings would be coming to Pitt via his Twitter account, but made no direct comment as to his thoughts on the situation.
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